Wooster Community Hospital will open its new emergency department on February 25th, a $35 million addition designed to enhance patient experience, boost surge capacity and integrate advanced features like behavioral health suites and direct imaging access.
The expansion, part of a larger project, includes three separate entrances for efficiency: a main hospital entrance with greeters and outpatient registration, a walk-in ER entrance and a dedicated EMS squad bay.
“This is a very large improvement from what we currently have,” said Ray McDonald, facilities director, noting the relocated helicopter pad for quicker transfers.
During a recent tour, hospital leaders showcased how the design prioritizes dignity, safety and speed. Here’s a closer look at the key areas.
Welcoming entrances and registration
Visitors entering the main hospital door are greeted by volunteers and can immediately access outpatient registration, lab draws and customer service for bills or records.
“When you walk into the building, the first thing that you’ll see is that we have dedicated parking,” McDonald explained.
The ER walk-in entrance allows quick triage, with a spacious waiting room for comfort.
Flexible patient care rooms
The ER boasts 20 standard rooms, expandable to 30 during surges. All are identically laid out for staff efficiency, with ample space for families.
“As you can tell, this is a nice, large, spacious room,” McDonald said of a typical exam room.
Trauma bays are centrally located near nurses’ stations, with internal waiting pods for discharging patients.
Behavioral health suite for compassionate care
A standout feature is the behavioral health area, where medically cleared patients await inpatient transfer. Low-risk individuals can use a communal space with TV and nourishment, while secure rooms have bolted beds. Storage for personal belongings provides reassurance.
“The goal of this space is for folks who are waiting for transport to provide a location that is comfortable,” McDonald noted. Staff can escape to a quiet report/break room to recoup from trauma.
Observation and multi-use rooms
The observation unit serves as a flex space for ER surges or 23-hour pediatric monitoring, like concussion precautions.
“Instead of having to go elsewhere for our kiddos, our goal is for them to be able to stay here in town,” McDonald said.
A multi-use room handles decontamination for chemical spills or infectious cases, with showers and external access for mass events – even a hookup for a disaster tent.
Advanced imaging and EMS support
Imaging is integrated nearby, with CT, x-ray and ultrasound supporting the ER, plus future expansion plans.
“Our goal is to eventually bring all of imaging downstairs so that it’s all close to the front door,” McDonald explained.
The EMS entrance accommodates multiple squads, with a workroom honoring Audrey Beaverson for her community contributions.
Partnerships and future focus
Telemedicine ties with OSU and Akron Children’s allow specialist consultations without transfers. The design emphasizes privacy, safety (e.g., no ligature risks in behavioral rooms) and staff well-being.
Hospital leaders like ER Director Kim Booth praised the upgrade.
“It’s amazing. It’s really going to promote the patient experience and improve patient care.”
The open house to see the ER will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 14.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Wooster Community Hospital unveils $35M ER expansion for faster care
Reporting by Miranda McGrath, Wooster Daily Record / The Daily Record
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