Bedford, OH – UHHS Bedford Medical
Center announced this
week it will begin an expansion project of its emergency department.
The hospital will remodel, refurbish and expand its number of
treatment beds. This nearly $1 million project is tentatively
set to begin in May with an anticipated completion of fall 2004.
Not unlike other hospitals in the nation, Bedford
Medical Center has experienced an increase, by 18.5%, in
emergency room volume over the last five years, consequently
triggering space limitations and congestion. In order to meet
the need brought on by this increase, it became very clear
the hospital would have to expand emergency services. By doing
so, Bedford Medical Center will increase capacity for
care by 50%, and with it, accessibility, comfort and reduced
waiting for patients and families.
"This expansion will allow for greater patient satisfaction
in that it will significantly reduce the amount of time our patients
wait in the emergency room and decrease the number of ambulance
diversions from the hospital," stated Sean McKibben, President.
At completion, the enlarged Emergency Department will extend
into what is now the ambulance bay and parking area along Blaine
Avenue, providing an additional 1,800 sq. ft of functional space.
This project will be conducted in phases to minimize disruption
to the delivery of emergency care services.
"Patient safety, satisfaction and comfort are top priorities
at Bedford Medical Center," added McKibben, "We are
looking forward to this project and our ability to significantly
increase emergency services to the communities we serve."
Smith Architects and Amicon Medical Group have been commissioned
for the design and construction of the new emergency department.
