Easing the Pain

Grady Health System Emergency Department
Improving patient comfort is playing a major role in Grady Health Systems Emergency Department expansion underway in Atlanta.

“The Emergency Department expansion will allow us to enhance patient care by improving not just the physical space, but also by creating a state-of-the-art facility that provides patients, physicians and staff the best treatment environment possible.”
-- John M. Haupert, president and CEO, Grady Health System

McCarthy recently began construction on Grady Health System’s (GHS) new 90,224-square-foot emergency department tower located just north of the hospital’s main campus. The premier level-one trauma center will receive not only the new addition for patient treatment and administrative areas, but also heavy renovations to another 77,599 square feet of existing space to improve the convenience and comfort of those visiting the ER.  

Grady anticipates a more than 15 percent surge in demand over the next five years, or 135,000 annual emergency visits by 2018. To accommodate the projected growth, the new five-story tower will  include additional treatment areas; 10 exam rooms for imaging and procedures; 12 exam rooms and clinical support for behavioral health plus two floors for physician support and administration.

The renovated layout of the hospital’s current emergency department will provide more private “mini” treatment rooms to accommodate patients’ families more comfortably. The entire area will have a redesigned and updated look and feel, including the intake, security, public entrance and waiting areas; 35 exam rooms and two resuscitation rooms; the staff support area; plus the creation of 15 new exam spaces.

“Grady is known nationwide for its superior trauma expertise, and we are proud to be a part of building its future,” said Kevin Kuntz, president of McCarthy’s Southeast Division. “Nothing is more important to a community than the health of its citizens, and we are incredibly pleased to help Atlanta’s flagship hospital continue to serve this city.” 

The construction of the emergency department expansion will be multi-phased. The new tower will be constructed first, followed by the multiple interior renovations. Completion is expected in 2016.

Freeman White Inc., of Charlotte, North Carolina has been contracted to provide design services for the project.