University of Iowa Health Care reaches halfway point on Emergency Department expansion

From the Corridor Business Journal:

The University of Iowa Health Care Emergency Department, one of the busiest in the state, is undergoing an expansion to better accommodate its high demand. The project is now halfway complete, according to an announcement from UI Health Care on Monday. 

“In an emergency situation, Iowans with complex care needs often require UI Health Care’s high level of coordination and expertise,” said UI Vice President for Medical Affairs Denise Jamieson, in the news release. “Our goal is to improve access, so that no matter where you go first for emergency care treatment, we can help you get the right care at the right time.”

The expansion project will add 13 new treatment rooms, multifunctional spaces to increase the department’s capacity to treat patients in crisis, and new triage spaces dedicated to pediatric and behavioral health emergencies. Upon completion, the department will have nearly 60 beds. This expansion is part of broader efforts to reduce wait times and improve the ability to meet Iowans’ critical care needs, the release stated.