Saint Thomas DeKalb rehabs ER

Saint Thomas DeKalb Hospital in Smithville has begun a complete renovation of the hospital's Emergency Department.

The construction, which began the week of March 6th is scheduled to be completed within 30 days, and will not affect the continuous operation of emergency services at the hospital.

"The purpose of the renovation is to upgrade and modernize the Emergency Department and to add features, such as a security room, which will help us be more efficient in delivering care to the community," said Bob Burritt, Interim Director of Clinical Operations. "The Emergency Department is a main front door to the hospital." Burritt said the investment is part of Saint Thomas Health's commitment across the system to providing the best facilities for the region's healthcare.

Saint Thomas Health is a part of Ascension, the nation's largest Catholic and non-profit health system.

The Emergency Department area is being completely rebuilt, including the waiting room, the reception area, each individual treatment room and the nurses' stations, including new flooring, new counters and painting.

"We want to assure the community that the performance of the Emergency Department will not be affected in any way during the renovation," Burritt added. Emergency facilities have been replicated in a nearby wing of the hospital, and are fully operational.

Saint Thomas DeKalb Hospital serves DeKalb County, Smithville and the surrounding region, and cares for an average of 30 patients every day in its Emergency Department.