UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center’s emergency department will undergo a major renovation beginning next year. Once complete, the department will offer 14 private treatment rooms, improved access and a more efficient workflow for physicians and staff.
“Our patients always come first, especially in emergency and trauma situations,” said Dr. David Wilkinson, an emergency medicine physician at YVMC and medical director of the department. “We want to ensure they continue to receive the very best care possible whether they’re a local resident or a visitor to the Yampa Valley.”
“This renovation will bring our emergency facilities on par with the tremendous level of care delivered by our dedicated physicians and staff,” said Soniya Fidler, president of YVMC. “The patient experience looks different now compared to when the current emergency department was built in 1999. It’s important to continually reinvest in our facilities to ensure they’re meeting the needs and expectations of our patients.”
When the renovation is complete, the 14-bed, 10,206 square-foot department will contain:
- Two private major medical/trauma rooms
An updated entrance and admissions area will offer an improved patient experience. Rendering courtesy of UCHealth. - Ten private treatment rooms
- Two private behavioral health rooms
- Decontamination room
- Dedicated physical therapy space
- Physician and staff work stations and break areas
- Separate walk-in and ambulance vestibules
- Direct access to the main hospital for patients and guests
“Steamboat Springs is an active community and with activity, there’s always a chance of injury. We’re here for locals and visitors alike and remain committed to patient care and safety every single day,” said Debbie Kennedy, registered nurse and manager of YVMC’s emergency department.
The three-phase renovation will begin in spring 2020, with smaller enabling projects beginning in early 2020. All patient care services and capabilities will continue as normal. Funds for the project come from strategic capital commitments UCHealth made to YVMC when the two organizations came together in 2017, as well as philanthropic efforts by Yampa Valley Medical Center Foundation.
A Level III trauma center, YVMC’s emergency room saw 8,530 patients in 2018, with an average wait time of six minutes from January-May 2019.