Essentia Health-Virginia, part of health system Essentia Health and a healthcare provider in Minnesota, US, has announced plans for a $13m expansion of its emergency department.
The investment aims to bolster patient care in the Iron Range region, which sees approximately 13,000 patients annually in the emergency department.
Go deeper with GlobalData
The expansion includes the addition of five new exam rooms and a suite dedicated to behavioural health, integrating new technology and improved security measures.
Essentia Health-Virginia administrator Sam Stone said: “By increasing our capacity and introducing a dedicated behavioural health suite, we are ensuring that every patient receives timely and specialised care.
“This investment reflects our commitment to enhancing the health and vitality of our community, and we are grateful for the support from our partners and donors in making this transformative project possible.”
The project construction is set to commence later this year, with completion anticipated by late 2026.
It is expected to generate construction jobs throughout its duration.
The behavioural health suite will cater to patients experiencing mental health crises, featuring special equipment and design considerations to ensure the safety of both patients and staff.
The new technology will enable patients to receive emergency care within their community.
The funding sources for this project include Essentia Health, the regional foundation, Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board, and individual donors.
Essentia Health-Virginia operates as a 30-bed hospital and a Level IV Trauma Center, offering a range of services including anaesthesiology, a birthing centre, cardiac rehabilitation, urologic surgery and more.
The hospital’s service area is predominantly rural, with 84% classified as such.
In August 2023, Essentia Health inaugurated the new St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, Minnesota, as part of the extensive $900m Vision Northland project.
This initiative, which took five years of design and construction, has resulted in a hospital spanning over 940,000ft² and covering two city blocks near Lake Superior.
