Northwest Hospital Cuts the Ribbon on Emergency Department Renovation and Modernization, including New and Expanded Entrance
Northwest Hospital will celebrate the opening of its emergency department (ED) renovation and modernization project with a ribbon cutting and tours. This marks the completion of a 15-month long, $6 million initiative to modernize and expand the entrance and treatment areas, including adding 2,500 square feet of new space and modernizing 5,000 square feet of existing space. Changes include an expanded visitor and family lounge, adding four large triage rooms, an express treatment area, enhanced security and a separate, private space for behavioral health patients. The project also redesigned and streamlined the pathway for patients arriving via ambulance and consolidated two separate triage areas into one.
The modernized space has three pathways for patient care: an express treatment area for those with less urgent medical needs, a triage process for more acutely ill patients who may need to be admitted to the hospital and a separate triage and treatment area for behavioral health patients. The renovation improves the flow for the 37% or the nearly 50 patients who arrive by ambulance daily, highlighting the importance of collaboration with partners in emergency medical services (EMS). The updated footprint allows EMS providers to bring acutely ill patients directly into a triage room for immediate care and privacy, helping EMS teams get back in the field faster to care for the next community member in need.
“This transformation matters to our community says Craig Carmichael, the president and chief operating officer of Northwest Hospital.” “About 85% of our patients who are admitted to our hospital come through our emergency department.” “With this renovation, that front door is now brighter, more welcoming and designed with both patients and caregivers in mind — a space that reflects the promise we make to our community, our neighbors daily.”
Northwest Hospital is one of Baltimore County’s busiest emergency departments and the completion of this project will improve the experience for both patients and caregivers. Teams will begin seeing patients in the newly renovated space starting on October 1.
Northwest Hospital’s emergency department treats about 49,000 patients each year and that number is increasing. Northwest Hospital is located in the most densely populated area of Baltimore County with an increasing and aging population. The last significant renovations to this entrance space took place more than 15 years ago. Renovations to employee workspaces and 43 treatment rooms will be in the next phase.
Contact: Theo Hayes, lbhmedia@lifebridgehealth.org, 410-601-2296