Hospital ER expansion underway
By STU MERRY
Construction is well underway on the remodel/expansion of the emergency room at Garrison Memorial Hospital.
The upgrade will provide three semi-private ER suites and one treatment room that can be used as a fourth ER room when necessary. An elevator, dating back to the 1950s, has already been replaced.
Hospital administrator Tod Graeber said work on the ER project began a couple weeks ago. The goal for completion is mid-September. "It’s starting to take shape, and we are excited," he said.
The project is being done in phases. The current ER room is undisturbed while workers tend to transforming adjacent rooms to ER suites. Once that work is complete, the present ER will receive its facelift.
Hospital officials had hoped to do the project during winter months when ER activity is slower. With summer ramping up to full swing, the facility is generally abuzz with activity. To accommodate the expected influx of ER patients, the hospital made other accommodations to handle the potential volume.
The need for the upgrade is real. Garrison Memorial Hospital has seen a 20 percent jump in emergency room calls in recent years. Privacy is also important when there are multiple ER patients.
