The highly anticipated new emergency department at the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown moved a step closer to completion with the recent kick-off of the next phase of construction. Earlier phases of the renovation, which began last September, included the construction of a new main hospital entrance, two patient elevators and a new lobby area, all done to prepare for the new emergency department. The project, which increases space and enhances privacy of emergency patients, is expected to be complete in late 2014.
To prepare for these improvements as the emergency department renovation project commences, several changes will take place on campus. These include new traffic patterns and parking as well as relocated patient care areas within the hospital. The community should be alert in the weeks and months ahead for ongoing announcements and news about new traffic patterns on campus and to follow directional signage.
When complete, the new Emergency Department at UMSMC at Chestertown increases the number of patient beds to 18. This includes a two-bed trauma bay, nine private bays, four observation beds with full bathroom amenities and a private behavioral health patient room. A designated emergency entrance will be created as well as a new parking area for patients and visitors.
Pictured inside one of the two new elevators that was recently completed during the renovation project at UM SMC at Chestertown from left are: Deb Stamper, ED Administrative Assistant; Holly Collins, ED Patient Care Tech; Matt Faulkner, Radiology; Deb Davis, MD, Medical Director, UM SMC at Chestertown Emergency Services; Jennifer Nutley, RN, Manager, UM SMC at Chestertown Emergency Services; Susan Bonwill, ED Patient Care Tech; Barbie James, Registration; Niara Wilson, Registration and Barbara Bozarth, Radiology. The new patient transport elevator is designed to accommodate the latest patient bed designs and the monitoring and patient care technology that accompanies patients if they need to move between floors of the hospital.
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