Maria Parham Health Begins Renovation of Emergency Department to Better Serve Vulnerable Populations

Maria Parham Health is proud to announce the commencement of the first phase of a major renovation project aimed at transforming its Emergency Department (ED) to better serve vulnerable populations in Vance and Franklin counties. Set to begin on March 17, 2025, the renovation will focus on enhancing care for individuals facing behavioral health challenges, a critical need in the region.

The renovation will take place in two phases, with the initial preparation already completed by the hospital’s Facilities team. Temporary modifications to the main lobby area have been made, including the installation of new flooring and the construction of temporary walls. These changes will create dedicated space for waiting areas, triage zones, registration desks, and other essential facilities to ensure the continued smooth flow of patient care during construction. While the front portion of the current Emergency Department will be closed for the duration of the renovation, the hospital’s main lobby will be utilized as a temporary intake, registration and emergency care area for patients presenting to Maria Parham’s Henderson campus vis personal vehicle. Ambulances will continue to arrive through the current ambulance intake bay. Temporary signage will direct patients beginning on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.

Phase One of the project is expected to take approximately 16 weeks, with actual construction beginning March 17, 2025.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• During this renovation, emergency patients who arrive at the hospital by their own means will be directed to the main entrance for registration, triage, and care.
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS) entry will remain unaffected.
• Radiology patients will also be guided to the main entrance for registration and sent to a separate waiting area for their services.
• For other services such as Lab, Outpatient Surgery, Inpatient Rehab, and General Visitation, patients will be asked to use the Heart & Vascular Center entrance, located to the right of the hospital’s main entrance.
• Please look for signage posted in front of the hospital for additional guidance.

This vital renovation is made possible through funding allocated to Maria Parham Health in October 2023 as part of a joint initiative led by the Vance County District Attorney’s Office, Granville Vance Public Health, the Vance County Board of Commissioners, and the North Carolina General Assembly. The funding reflects the region's collective commitment to improving mental health treatment services, which will significantly benefit the community.

The project will specifically focus on creating designated areas within the Emergency Department tailored to meet the unique needs of behavioral health and mental health patients. These spaces will provide a safer, more supportive environment for patients and care team members, while improving overall hospital efficiency. Furthermore, the changes are designed to foster a healthier and more secure hospital environment for patients and visitors alike.

“We are excited to begin this important renovation, which will allow us to provide even better care to those who need it most,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “This is a huge step forward in our ongoing efforts to improve care for vulnerable populations in our community, and we are grateful for the support of our partners and the local community.”

Maria Parham Health encourages the public to stay informed about the renovation's progress. Updates will be available on the hospital's official Facebook page and through local news outlets.

Maria Parham Health remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering the highest standards of care, safety, and patient satisfaction throughout this renovation process.