Emergency department expanded from 12 beds to 21 beds
Ascension Saint Thomas River Park Hospital (AST) has expanded its emergency department, nearly doubling capacity to help meet growing demand for emergency care in Warren County and the surrounding region, according to a release by the company.
“Hospital leaders, caregivers, and community partners gathered Friday for a ribbon cutting and blessing to celebrate the completion of the project,” According to the release
The emergency department expanded from 12 beds to 21 beds. The hospital says the expansion, which comes on the heels of a Warren County 4,000-resident population boom since 2010 increases its ability to care for patients during medical emergencies. That is a 9% increase.
“Warren County is growing, and our hospital is growing with it,” said Eric Paul, president of Saint Thomas River Park. “With more than 23,500 emergency visits annually, this expansion strengthens our ability to respond when our neighbors need us most. It also creates a better environment for our caregivers while improving the experience for patients and families.”
The expansion is part of a $15.2 million investment in hospital improvements, supported by a $7.6 million state grant.
“Access to quality health care close to home is incredibly important for rural communities like ours,” said Sen. Janice Bowling. “I’m grateful to Ascension Saint Thomas River Park for their continued commitment to serving the people of Warren County and strengthening care in our region.”
Bowling and Rep. Paul Sherrel helped support the grant.
“I was proud to help support this investment because strong local health care is essential to the well-being of our community,” said Rep. Paul Sherrell. “This expansion will help ensure families in Warren County and surrounding counties have access to the care they need right here in our community.”
This investment is part of a broader modernization effort at Saint Thomas River Park that also includes a new intensive care unit, a renovated inpatient unit and expanded clinical technology to support patients and caregivers, according to a release by the company.
“The hospital has also expanded services available locally, including telestroke care, acute dialysis and robotic surgery, helping ensure patients can access advanced care without leaving the community.”
Photos via ASC.
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