Salem Health begins $3 million ED expansion to fit growing need
The expansion is expected to decrease the time it takes for patients to see a provider and create a better patient experience throughout the process.
Credit: Salem Health
Building A of Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics in Salem, Oregon has stood for eight years, and in that time it's already gone through a couple of expansions. Now, it's about to undergo a third, a $3 million expansion of the emergency department that's billed as a means of meeting growing need in the community.
Demolition started this month. The source of the funding was not disclosed.
[Also: Saint Barnabas Medical Center unveils new $25 million addition]
Rapid population growth in the Mid-Willamette Valley means growing healthcare needs, according to the hospital, and Salem Health is working to address them. Its emergency department sees over 300 patients per day on average, and this expansion, officials said, is necessary to meet healthcare needs as the population grows.
"At Salem Health, our first priority is caring for our local communities," said Sarah Horn, RN, MBA, BSN, Salem Health chief nursing officer, in a statement. "As we plan for the projected population growth as well as what our community needs of us today, this additional space will allow us to enhance some of our current processes and models of care. Essentially, this expansion allows us to be prepared for our communities' needs in the coming years, while increasing our levels of service and reducing wait times."
[Also: Grunow Memorial Medical Center acquired by commercial real estate developer]
The plan for expansion includes more exam rooms and a new treatment track for patients with less complicated diagnoses. The expansion is expected decrease the time it takes for patients to see a provider and create a better patient experience throughout the process.
The new expansion is set to go live in February 2018.
Twitter: @JELagasse
Email the writer: jeff.lagasse@himssmedia.com
