April 1, 2024April 1, 2024

Emergency Room upgrades to begin soon

by in DMH News
Emergency Room upgrades to begin soon

The Doctors’ Memorial Hospital (DMH) emergency room (ER) will soon undergo facility upgrades and improvements to create an updated look and enhanced patient experience. DMH received a $523,600 grant from the state to upgrade its 15-bed emergency room and lobby.

Construction will begin Tuesday, April 9, 2024, and is estimated to take four months, barring any delays. During that time, the entire ER will be relocated to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

“Our goal is to make the DMH ER more efficient and streamlined by improving patient experience,” said DMH CEO Lauren Faison-Clark. “Plans include an expanded registration area, aesthetic improvements and a more modern design.”

Upgrades will include:

  • New registration area to replace current window
  • Enhanced safety and infection prevention features
  • Removal of excess cabinetry and outdated equipment from patient areas to improve accessibility
  • New flooring, paint and other aesthetic improvements

Public notices of temporary changes to access the ER:

  • The ER will temporarily relocate to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for the duration of the project, which is estimated to take about four months.
  • The current ER entrance will remain open until June.
  • Beginning in June, the ER entrance will be closed, and all patients will enter through the main lobby.
  • External and internal signage will be clearly displayed to direct patients.
  • All Emergency Medical Service (EMS) vehicles will access the ER through the rear entrance to the ICU. The door will be clearly marked.

The project was funded through the state’s Rural Hospital Capital Improvement Fund. The $10 million appropriation is designated to help rural hospitals across the state fund capital improvements. Although the program has existed for years as a line-item in the state budget, this was the first time it was funded. The Florida Department of Health is administering the grant.

“This renovation is a gift to DMH and the community,” said DMH Board Chair Pat Barbaree. “A new and improved ER will help our hospital continue to provide quality and compassionate care to all who need us.”

Upon completion, DMH will host an open house to share the new space with the community.

About Doctors’ Memorial Hospital
Founded in 1957, Doctors’ Memorial Hospital (DMH) is a private, nonprofit, critical access, 48-bed hospital committed to being a trusted leader in healthcare. DMH offers emergency services, primary care, short-term inpatient rehabilitation, a full line of radiology services, wound care and additional outpatient services. DMH contracts with Alliant Management Services for administrative operations and has a formal partnership with Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) to enhance service capabilities and resources available to DMH. For more information, visit DoctorsMemorial.com.

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