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“We now have a bigger, more efficient department,” said Dr. Andy Wilson, medical director of the emergency department. “We added space and hired five full-time employees to keep wait times short.”
The 1,500-foot expansion includes a new triage and registration areas, plus two additional private exam rooms and a rapid care area with four bays. The addition increases the department’s capacity by 60 percent. The four bays offer efficient space for patients who require minor treatments, such as sutures or IV fluids.
“With six additional beds, we have greater flexibility and can better utilize exam rooms so that our sickest patients have the care and comfort they deserve,” said Theresa McGrath, director of the emergency department.
The department has had continued increased demand for its services. In 2016, staff will treat an estimated 21,600 emergency medicine patients, up 20 percent in two years, hospital data shows.
Despite the capacity challenge, Nebraska-based Professional Research Consultants awarded the department five stars earlier this year for Overall Quality of Care based on patient satisfaction survey results compared to national hospitals’ scores.
Work by Poughkeepsie-based Baxter Construction began this summer and completed in late November followed by state Department of Health approval to open the expansion. Next up, the department’s lobby will get a facelift.
For more, visit Northern Dutchess Hospital's website or call 845-876-3001 .
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