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Emergency Department Upgrade at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital
Written By: Jenny King | Issue: 2016/05 - May
Big things are in store for Highlands-Cashiers Hospital.
Groundbreaking for the new Emergency Department in April was the beginning of a project that has been in the works for years.
While the number of treatment rooms will not change, everything else will, including its location. No longer will the department be located next to the outpatient registration area but instead will be located near the helipad. President and CNO of Highlands-Cashiers Hospital Jackie Ring pointed out it was actually more cost effective to build an addition than remodel the existing space.
Another factor that needed to be taken into consideration was the need for consistent ongoing care. At no time will the present ED be closed while the new one is being constructed. This continuity of care was vital to the design.
The plans for this $6 million project encompass a reception area, gift shop, and much more privacy. There will be a private nurse triage area and all treatment rooms will have doors as opposed to the current curtains. Two much needed additions will be the decontamination room off the ambulance entrance and the safe room for behavioral health patients.
While some of the parking will be affected, appropriate signage will be in place to direct patient traffic. The plan is to eventually redesign all parking surrounding the hospital, making it much safer for patients and visitors going into and out of the hospital. Ring said the safety issue was a big factor in how the new Emergency Department was laid out. Currently ambulance and foot traffic share an entrance – by relocating ambulance traffic there will be less congestion and confusion. The main entrance to the hospital will be moved yet will retain the same esthetic, with exposed beams and stone columns.
Right now it can seem a bit daunting when trying to gain egress, but with the changes completed everything will flow naturally.
For more information on changes at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital, visit mission-health.org/highlands-cashiers_progress.php.
