By Paige Nash
Alderman for District 5 Derek Melancon announced at last Monday’s Springhill City Council meeting that the Emergency Room of Springhill Medical Center will be undergoing a major expansion and renovation.
He said, “Plans for the new ER are drawn. Actual construction of the new E.R. will begin after the first of the year. By the end of the summer, we will have a brand-new Emergency Room, thanks to our board and our CEO.”
In January of this year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that Springhill Medical Center was awarded a grant, among other hospitals across North Louisiana to construct and renovate rural health care facilities, totaling more than $4 million. Springhill Medical Center received $776,875, which will be used to provide adequate space for reception and patient waiting area.
According to Ray Huddleston, Chairman of the Board, in addition to the monies received from the USDA, Springhill Medical Center will be putting up an additional $423,125 to complete the project.
Huddleston said, “I am very pleased that the Board of Directors recognized the need for the expansion and renovation of the ER.” Huddleston also expressed how proud he was of Springhill Medical Center, along with its employees and the board for the continuous hard work they deliver to guarantee the City of Springhill offers a good healthcare system.
The renovation and expansion project will begin soon. The current Emergency Room was originally constructed in the mid-1970s and has become outdated. It is limited to the number of patients that can be served at one time. The $1.2 million project will also include six beds instead of the current four.
“Our current Emergency Room has grown too small to accommodate the growing need for emergency services,” said Pete Johnson, CEO. “This expansion and renovation will bring a fresh new look to our Emergency Room adding additional capability.”
The E.R. at Springhill Medical Center is continuing to run where it is located, and the upcoming construction will not affect services. According to Johnson, they are still in the process of getting a couple of approvals, but their goal is to have the new Emergency Room open and fully operational by the Summer of 2024.