DOWNEY -- A groundbreaking ceremony last week kicked off construction for an expansion of the emergency department at PIH Health Hospital Downey.

Ramona Pratt, PIH Health chief operating officer for the Downey campus, along with Mayor Alex Saab and former patients broke ground to mark the beginning of the renovations Aug. 5.

“PIH Health continues to invest in the Downey facility and in technologies that will enhance the quality of care and the patient experience,” said Pratt. “We remain committed to those who come to us for care and we are dedicated to ensuring high standards.”

The current facility was built to accommodate 25,000 patient visits per year; however the number of patient visits has increased to approximately 50,000.

Approximately 5,000 square feet of space will be added to the existing emergency department, doubling the current footprint, and the expanded waiting room will increase seating capacity from 37 to 80.

The revitalization project will include new and improved service areas, including “fast track,” which will serve patients who are not experiencing life-threatening emergencies, 11 additional exam rooms, a new registration desk, modern nursing stations and new hospital equipment, including a state-of-the-art CT scanner.
 
Expected completion of the project is fall 2018. Hospital services in the Emergency Department will remain available during the two-year construction period.