Omaha, Neb.-based Methodist Hospital hosted a tour of its completed $26.7 million emergency department expansion and renovation, the Omaha World-Herald reported Jan. 27.
The expansion, which was mostly community-funded, nearly doubled the department's square footage, going from 11,500 to 22,000, the report said. The number of patient rooms doubled from 12 to 24.
Work on the expansion was done in six phases as the ER remained open during construction, the report said. Since 2018, the ER has seen an 8 percent increase in the number of patients.
The project introduced two rooms for patients in a mental health crisis, the report said. They have garage-type doors that can be closed to block patient access to bedside equipment that could otherwise be used to harm themselves or staff.
Three rooms were included that can accommodate larger patients, the report said. Another new room is specially equipped for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and human trafficking. It allows for more privacy and connects to a room where patients can meet with family or law enforcement.
It is also equipped for evidence collection by specially trained nurses, the report said.