Harris, NY – At Catskill Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Department, some patients share rooms, with only a curtain between them. Others are treated on folding stretchers in the hallways.
But not for much longer. If all goes according to plan, the hospital’s newly expanded department is scheduled to make its debut in a few months.
Construction is moving forward on a 10,000-square-foot extension to the department, which hospital leaders hope will open by late August. The $6 million project also calls for renovations to the existing department, with work completed in stages once the extension opens. The anticipated completion date of the renovation is no later than Jan. 1.
The expanded department will be a total of 16,000 square-feet, accommodating 22 beds in 18 rooms — all but three of which will be private. Currently, the department has 16 beds in eight rooms, with folding stretchers in the hallways.
“It’s just a matter of having more space, so we’re not on top of each other and patients have more privacy,” said Chip Dunham, clinical director of the emergency department, of the expansion.
Construction began last fall in a space that used to be a parking lot. The initial plan was to have the extension ready for mid-summer, when population in Sullivan County typically explodes. The harsh winter made it difficult to keep to that time-line — construction is behind about two-and-a-half weeks, Dunham said.
The need for the extra space is clear, Dunham said. Department staff have seen more patients per month this year than compared to 2010 with increases ranging from 5 percent to 17 percent.
The new wing will include a two-bed critical care room for the sickest patients. The current room, which is too small, will be converted into a room for patients waiting for lab results. These multi-patient rooms will be the only ones with curtains; the rest will have doors.
There will be a space for patients who are being monitored by law enforcement, or who are having mental health crises. There also will be a dedicated bereavement space for families and loved ones of patients who may be getting some bad news from doctors or nurses.
Windows in the lobby and waiting area — painted in earth tones — will flood the room with natural light. The intent, Dunham said, is to make patients feel more comfortable in a more soothing environment.
(Source: Times Herald Record)
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2 Responses
Maybe someone should explain to the president of CRMC that with the expansion, they have to have more staff. As of right now there are no plans to increase the emergency room staff from the current low number of 6 day time nurses, and 3 night time nurses.
“The need for the extra space is clear, Dunham said. Department staff have seen more patients per month this year than compared to 2010 with increases ranging from 5 percent to 17 percent.”
The tough economic times are contributing to an increase in ER visits by many who because of insurance issues would in the past see a private practice doctor.
I for one am glad to hear that the ER is expanding although hopefully it will be done in time for the summer rush. I was treated there several summers ago for multiple yellowjacket stings and had to wait on a bed in the hallway, although they did get help to me rather quickly.