July 25, 2012

Soon a construction zone will be transformed into the new free standing emergency department at Martha Jefferson’s Outpatient Care Center in Forest Lakes.

Hospital officials say there’s a growing need for emergency services in this area.

“This part of our community has really expanded. The number of people that live now in Albemarle County as well as the southern part of Greene County, Orange County [has expanded],” said Ron Cottrell, Martha Jefferson Hospital VP of Planning.

Once all the flooring is down and the rooms are completed, the new ED will be open 24/7.

“If you're feeling poorly and you have an injury, come to this emergency department and get cared for immediately and then if there is additional care that's required, that will be treated at a hospital,” said Cottrell.

Staff members say not only will this new ED make a difference for patients; it could be helpful for emergency responders as well.

“The ambulances that have to come into the city, they're just out of their community for a long period of time. To be able to shorten that trip, care for their patients at an interim stop here at the emergency department will just make them more accessible in their communities” said Cottrell.

In addition to the new ED, the facility will also have new and improved imaging available, offering a new CT scanner, X-ray, Ultra Sound and Mammography.

The new ED is located at the intersection of Rt. 29 and Proffitt Road. It set to open on September 19. It is important to point out that the ED next to the Outpatient Care Center on Pantops will be closing and soon turned into a Neuroscience center.