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SHAMOKIN— Renovations are underway in the Emergency Department at Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital. The $10 million project started in August. Geisinger Shamokin Hospital Administrative Director Michael Morgan says a consultant a few years ago showed the need for improvements to the E.D.
“25,000 E.D. visits annually. And, for an E.D. that is only nine beds, that is something that is completely unheard of. Typically, a nine bed unit would be able to accommodate 16,000 E.D. visits,” Morgan said.
Geisinger Shamokin Hospital Co-Chair of Emergency Medicine Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick says he is excited for the upgrades, “To see this kind of a commitment by the system to this facility is really great,” Fitzpatrick said.
The emergency department will increase from nine to 19 private exam areas. A new five-bed rapid evaluation unit will quickly treat patients with less-severe injuries and illnesses that don’t require highly specialized care. Dr. Fitzpatrick says they want to get you in to the hospital if needed, treated, and get home.
“If you do have to come to the hospital, you are going to be impressed. I hope it’s something minor that we can reassure you, take care of you, and send you on your way to enjoy your family and your life,” Fitzpatrick said.
The renovations are expected to be completed in early 2023. You can read more about the renovations on the WKOK Podcast page HERE.
