EPHRATA — An updated emergency department at Columbia Basin Hospital is scheduled for completion by spring 2025.  

Rosalinda Kibby, CBH chief executive officer, wrote that the remodeling project has several goals. 

“The scope of the project includes remodel of existing space to address staff security and patient flow needs,” Kibby wrote in response to an email from the Columbia Basin Herald. “The footprint of the (emergency department) is expanding slightly to include a specific room for infectious disease management and a separate ambulatory entrance.” 

The exterior walls are up, the interior framing is underway – in fact, in some sections the framing is done, and the drywall is up. Construction crews are working on the electrical and mechanical systems, the fire suppression system, the ductwork and roof. The ER is getting an expanded drive-through and asphalt is going down in the parking lot. 

Kibby wrote that the design reflects regulatory requirements that all new ERs include a room specifically for patients that might have infectious diseases. In addition, the remodel is designed to take into account some of the experiences of the last few years. 

“The remodel is addressing barriers to patient flow that learned about through the COVID pandemic. The new patient flow will allow us to identify and isolate potentially infections patients in a much better manner. The remodeled space also will be much more secure for staff to work in,” Kibby wrote. 

Part of the hospital’s diagnostic imaging services will get a new home.  

“The project also includes creating new space for ultrasound, as it has been utilizing ED space for many years,” Kibby wrote. 

The hospital isn’t adding any new equipment, and Kibby wrote that ER usage has not been increasing.