By Scott Harvey
Greenville – Hunt Regional Medical Center in Greenville is finalizing plans for major improvements to their emergency room scheduled to begin this summer.
The Hunt Memorial Hospital District board of directors received a report on March 29 from Corgan Associates architects on plans for the first phase of the project. Corgan also will serve as construction manager for the project.
The expansion will add about 2,000 square feet to the facility, most of it enhancements to the entrance and waiting room.
"More than 60 per cent of our admissions come through the emergency department," said Richard Carter, CEO of Hunt Regional Healthcare, "In many respects, it really is our front door."
Construction of a new drive-through canopy is also planned that will accommodate cars two side by side, with the canopy to offer ER visitors protection from inclement weather. Access and egress will be from a new one-way driveway.
"We are past the schematic design phase and well into design development," said Tammy Testa, project architect for Corgan. She said that construction documents will soon be completed so that construction bids can be solicited.
The waiting area, which has become more crowded as the ER's patient load has exploded in recent years, will be doubled in size and include a number of cosmetic and comfort enhancements, including improved privacy for patient registration
A more visible security office also is included in the plan as are new paving and patient parking.
"We have been planning this project for several years," Carter says. "The second phase will expand the clinical and patient care area, including adding more beds." No timetable has been established for the clinical phase.
The ER, which is the only Level 3 trauma center within 45 minutes of Greenville, has been serving an average of more than 100 patients a day for several years. Last year more than 42,000 patients were treated in the ER, and current trends suggest that as many as 45,000 patients will be seen this year.
Construction is expected to start in July with completion expected in 150-160 days at a cost of approximately $1.5 million.