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Emergency Department Renovation, Expansion Begins at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital
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Project will expand beds, improve privacy, reduce waiting
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Virginia Beach, VA – June 28, 2007 – Construction has begun on a $4.9 million renovation and expansion of the emergency department at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital.
The project will expand the number of patient beds, improve privacy, reduce wait times and expedite treatment.
“We’re undertaking a huge renovation project while maintaining daily operations,” says Linda Baker, RN, director of the emergency department at Sentara Virginia Beach General. “There may be some short-term inconvenience in exchange for long-term improvements, but clinical operations will continue uninterrupted during construction.”
Patients and visitors will notice some changes during construction, including:
 The south entrance to the hospital has been closed.
A temporary ER patient entrance has been opened directly into the waiting room.
The HRT bus stop on campus has been moved to Will-O-Wisp drive.
Driveways near the ER are now designated for ambulance or physician access.
Visitors to Health Education Center events will park in hospital visitor lots.
When the project is completed in early 2009, the number of ER patient beds will increase from 28 to 40. Triage beds will increase from one to three. Privacy and confidentiality for patients will improve. Patient safety will be enhanced with improved isolation capabilities. Improved processes will reduce wait times and speed treatment, especially for patients with minor injuries or illnesses.
“We’re planning for the future,” says Raymond Troiano, M.D., vice president and administrator of Sentara Virginia Beach General. “Last year we had almost 56,000 patient visits to the emergency department and we have to grow to meet the demand.”
36/2007
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