Sentara Obici Hospital in Suffolk, Va. will launch an expansion and modernization of its emergency department (ED) on Feb. 3^rd. Fresh local O’DoodleDo’s Donuts and a hardhat photo wall will be part of the fun as the hospital begins the first ED expansion since it opened 17 years ago.

“We’re growing to meet community needs and expectations now and in the future,” says Coleen Santa Ana, president of Sentara Obici Hospital. “Our patients will have a much better and more efficient experience when this project is complete.”

The 21-month, $13M project will add 7,000 square feet of space, increase the number of treatment spaces from 23 to 37, including nine ‘vertical care’ spaces with comfortable chairs for appropriate patients. The modernization will enhance privacy with doors on patient rooms instead of curtains and add an additional safe space for behavioral health needs.

The project will involve some temporary changes for patients. The walk-in entrance to the ED waiting room is moving during construction to the current outpatient surgery entrance. Patient, staff and physician parking is also being reconfigured. Ambulances will continue using their current campus entrance and access door. Signage will guide motorists and patients to parking lots and entry doors.