By Dan Hounsell

Healthcare facilities managers taking part in renovations projects in their buildings often set goals related to priorities such as energy efficiency and expanded services. For one New York health system, a recent project put patient safety and convenience at the top of the list.

Bon Secours Community Hospital, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth) in Port Jervis, N.Y., recently completed the latest phase of its emergency department (ED) expansion, according to Health Facilities Management. The project allows most ED patients to be seen by a provider in 30 minutes or less.

The ED upgrades include the creation of 14 patient bays — up from 11 — each equipped with new beds and advanced diagnostic and monitoring equipment, and four of which are dedicated to treating behavioral health patients. Better patient flow and experience have been achieved by redesigning the triage and fast-track areas. Improvements in the proximity of support services, such as the laboratory and imaging services, have also helped facilitate patient throughput.