Chesapeake Regional Medical Center held a ribbon cutting for its newly completed Emergency Department at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 17.

The event celebrates the completion of a $6.5 million expansion/renovation project that almost doubled the ED in size, from 15,000 square feet to 25,000 square feet. The existing space was completely renovated.

The completed project will provide additional treatment space and diagnostic equipment for the increasing numbers of patients who arrive at Chesapeake Regional's ED for care. Last year, the ED served more than 65,000 patients, making it the busiest ER in Hampton Roads.
"In light of an increasing need of ER services in our community, the Chesapeake Hospital Authority was supportive of investing in an expansion to meet that need," said the Rev. Kim Brown, the Authority's chairman. "We're excited about extending our mission into the community in this way."

The project added a larger waiting area, newly configured entrance, high-tech work spaces, streamlined triage, and space for the ED's accredited Chest Pain Center. The Chest Pain Center is the only one in Hampton Roads with the designation and one of only four facilities like it in Virginia.

Additional treatment and diagnostic spaces, and a special psychiatric evaluation area were also added to the ED. To enhance access to care, the on-site physicians' group, Chesapeake Emergency Physicians L.L.C., increased its physician staff.

"Even though the number of emergency rooms across the country has shrunk in the last few years, Chesapeake Regional has continued its commitment to providing the highest quality emergency care for its community," noted Christopher Mosley, CEO and president. "We are proud of this expansion and the care it will allow us to continue to provide, now and in the future. I would also like to congratulate the physicians and staff for an outstanding job of treating a record number of patients during this very busy project."

Construction on the project began in July 2008. Virtexco Corp. served as the contractor and Paul Finch & Associates P.C. was the architectural firm.