NE Piedmont News

Maria Parham Health has announced the commencement of the first phase of a renovation project aimed at transforming its Emergency Department to better serve vulnerable populations in Vance and Franklin counties. The renovation, beginning on March 3, 2025, will focus on enhancing care for individuals facing behavioral health challenges.

Preparations for the project are already in progress. Maria Parham’s Facilities teams are preparing the main lobby area as a temporary emergency care space. New flooring is being installed, and temporary walls are being erected to create areas for waiting, triage zones, registration desks, and other necessary functions to support patient flow during the renovation. The front portion of the existing Emergency Department will be temporarily closed during this period. These adjustments in the hospital's main lobby will ensure that patient care continues without interruption.

Phase One of the renovations is expected to last about 16 weeks from March 3, 2025. During this time, patients arriving by their own means will be directed to Maria Parham's main entrance for registration, triage, and care. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) entry will not be affected throughout the renovation.

This project is funded through allocations made to Maria Parham Health in October 2023 as part of a collaboration between various local entities including the Vance County District Attorney’s Office and Granville Vance Public Health. This funding demonstrates a community commitment to improving mental health and substance abuse treatment services in the region.

The renovation plans include creating designated spaces within the Emergency Department specifically designed for behavioral health and mental health patients. These new areas aim to foster safer environments for effective care while reducing incident risks and enhancing overall hospital efficiency. Additionally, these changes are intended to create a safer environment for both staff and visitors.

“We are thrilled to begin this transformative project that will improve the quality of care for some of our most vulnerable community members,” said Bert Beard, Chief Executive Officer of Maria Parham Health. “The renovation will allow us to provide specialized spaces for individuals in behavioral health crises, ultimately improving the care of all our patients. This investment is an important step toward better meeting the needs of our community.”

Maria Parham Health encourages public engagement with updates about this renovation via their official Facebook page and local news outlets.

The institution remains committed to maintaining high standards of care, safety, and patient satisfaction throughout this significant renovation process.