The Green Mountain Care Board approved an amended Certificate of Need for an expansion and renovation of the emergency department (ED) at Rutland Regional Medical Center.

The Green Mountain Care Board approved an amended Certificate of Need for an expansion and renovation of the emergency department (ED) at Rutland Regional Medical Center. The project, scheduled to begin in February, is expected to take up to 18 months and will include 1,840 sq.-ft. (170.94 sq m) of new construction and partial renovations of the current 13,657 sq.-ft. (1,268.77 sq m) area. The Emergency Department will remain open during the entire project.

The number of emergency treatment rooms, currently 19, will be increased to 26 with the new addition designed for five behavioral health treatment rooms and two isolation rooms that can be converted to behavioral health rooms. In addition, the lobby area will be secured for the safety of patients, visitors and staff by creating a controlled access to public waiting areas. A new security office will be added along with enhanced security measures. Total estimated project costs are just over $6 million.

The renovation project will combine the Fast Track side of the ED with the higher acuity side, resulting in improved workflow and more efficient use of space. An additional corridor will be added for access by ancillary services and for ease of movement. The new corridor will feature a nursing station and staff support area.

A main component of the project is the construction of the behavioral health treatment area. The addition will feature improved safety and security measures for both behavioral health patients and other emergency room patients and visitors. Behavioral health treatment rooms will be private with windows, providing much needed natural light for patients with extended stays.

“We're extremely excited about what this expansion will provide for our community,” said Tom Huebner, CEO and president of Rutland Regional Medical Center. “In addition to increasing the overall ED space and number of treatment rooms to accommodate today's patients and caregiver needs, the project is designed with the goal of enhancing efficient flow and delivery of care for our patients and their loved ones.”

Designed with input from the hospital's ED staff, the focus was on maximum efficiency — improving privacy, patient transportation, work flow and collaboration among care team members.

“We are committed to ensuring our community has an emergency department able to provide the very best care to each and every patient at any time of day or night,” said Todd Gregory, medical director of emergency services. “A great deal of consideration and planning has gone into the design to support best care, improve efficiency and ensure an enhanced patient experience. Once complete, our new ED will help us to continue to provide top quality emergency medicine in an environment that will better promote the delivery of compassionate care.”

“Renovating space that is in use 24 hours a day will present a challenge to our staff and patients in the ED,” said Mary Nemeth, VP of support services. “However, we are confident that the staff and contractors will work together to see that the patients are served well during the process. The finished product will improve patient flow, lead to improved privacy, and allow our caregivers to continue to provide quality medical care.”

Today's top stories

North Causeway Bridge Offers Innovation, Congestion Relief for Fort Pierce, Fla., Motorists

Missouri's $284M Chester Bridge Under Construction

Mecalac Offers Telescopic Wheel Loader to Improve Stability, Mobility in Material Handling Applications

Chicago Bears Announce Plans for New Enclosed Stadium

Oshkosh Corporation to Acquire AUSA

Webuild Ready to Rebuild Collapsed Baltimore Bridge

Crews Complete Covington, Georgia Community Project

Alabama AGC Announces BUILDSouth Award Winners