NE Piedmont News

Maria Parham Health has announced the start of a significant renovation project to improve its Emergency Department, aiming to better serve vulnerable populations in Vance and Franklin counties. The renovations are set to commence on March 17, 2025, focusing particularly on enhancing care for individuals with behavioral health challenges.

The project will be executed in two phases. Initial preparations by the hospital’s Facilities team have been completed, including temporary modifications to the main lobby area. These changes include new flooring and temporary walls to create space for waiting areas, triage zones, and registration desks. During the renovation period, while the front portion of the current Emergency Department is closed, patients arriving at Maria Parham’s Henderson campus by personal vehicle will use the main lobby as a temporary intake and emergency care area. Ambulances will continue using the existing ambulance intake bay. Temporary signage will guide patients starting March 12, 2025.

Phase One is expected to last approximately 16 weeks from its start date.

Emergency patients arriving independently should proceed to the main entrance for registration and care. EMS entry remains unchanged. Radiology patients will also use the main entrance but will be directed to a separate waiting area. Other services such as Lab, Outpatient Surgery, Inpatient Rehab, and General Visitation should use the Heart & Vascular Center entrance.

The renovation is funded through an initiative involving multiple local bodies: "the Vance County District Attorney’s Office," "Granville Vance Public Health," "the Vance County Board of Commissioners," and "the North Carolina General Assembly." This funding highlights a regional commitment to enhancing mental health treatment services.

The project aims to create specific areas within the Emergency Department tailored for behavioral health and mental health patients. These improvements intend to provide a safer environment for both patients and staff while increasing hospital efficiency overall.

“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 public engagement with updates available on their official Facebook page and through local news outlets.

The hospital remains committed to maintaining high standards of care throughout this process.