North Country Hospital in Newport has embarked on a six-month renovationof its Emergency Department.

The initiative, which is part of a capital project, aims to alleviate the challenges faced during high-patient-volume periods by adding more patient care space to the existing layout.

The hospital will transform its ambulance bay into four new ER patient rooms. A notable feature of these rooms is their ability to convert to negative pressure rooms, preventing potentially contaminated air or dangerous particles within from spreading to non-contaminated areas outside the rooms.

Rising patient numbers often necessitate placing patients in the department’s hallway, particularly during high-volume times, owing to a lack of adequate facilities both within the community and across the state. The renovation will address this issue by relocating the ambulance entrance to the side of the building. This new arrangement will feature heated pavement to ensure safe and direct access into the department for direct patient care, especially during inclement weather conditions.

However, during the renovation period, some operational challenges are anticipated. Longer wait times in the Emergency Department may occur, with patients possibly being attended to based on the severity of their conditions rather than the order of arrival. The hospital also advises visitors and patients to exercise caution when navigating through the campus due to potential obstructions from construction equipment, especially on Medical Village Drive and in the parking lot adjacent to the emergency room entrance.

The hospital’s administration expects project completion by April 2024. – Newport Dispatch