UH Richmond Unveils $1M Emergency Department Renovation

Richmond Heights --- University Hospitals Richmond Medical Center, 27100 Chardon Rd., Richmond Heights, has completed the $1 million renovation of its Emergency Department (ED) that began in November 2017. The ED cares for an average of 23,000 patients a year.

“UH Richmond Medical Center and our ED have been an important healthcare resource for the surrounding communities for many years,” says UH Richmond Medical Center President Brian Monter. “The financial investment University Hospitals has made with this project and continues to make in this hospital demonstrates our continued commitment to serving the residents of far eastern Cuyahoga and western Lake counties”.

The scope of the project included a complete upgrade for the ED with a refreshed, redesigned patient waiting area; new flooring, paint and other cosmetic enhancements; and a new glass – enclosed nurses’ station to better maintain patient confidentiality. For a more efficient patient flow and shorter waiting times, the renovation added seven beds to the ED, for 19 total beds.

In November, before construction started, the ED implemented the Fast Track system to move patients with less serious problems through triage, diagnosis and treatment more efficiently. The ED now has six beds dedicated to these patients as well as separate triage and waiting areas for them. In the first six months of operation Fast Track has reduced the time lower-acuity patients spend in the ED by 30 percent.

The UH Richmond Medical Center ED is accredited by The Joint Commission as a Chest Pain Center and Stroke Center. On May 29 the ED received a Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus award from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association for stroke care that complies with nationally accepted standards and recommendations.

The ED maintained full operation throughout the renovation project. It was completed on schedule April 30 with the official grand opening May 23.