Renovating E.M. Crowe Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Room

Physician, staff and community input:

Feedback from residents and staff is influencing the design of the emergency department renovations. Feedback was captured through a public survey that generated 142 responses as well as in-person information sessions in Eriksdale on March 6, 2025 with approximately 150 staff members, physicians and members of the public.

Community based comments are being integrated into designs to ensure the needs of area residents and staff are reflected and that the new space enhances patient care.

Six themes have arisen from feedback collected. The following is a summary of feedback received. Project scope allows for focus on structural elements of the renovations:

1. Facility & infrastructure improvements

Streamline entry, waiting, and ER pathways • Separate and clearly mark entrances: dedicated ER, visitor and ambulance entrances • Proximity and visibility: ER should be closer to nursing stations for better monitoring • Improved signage and wayfinding: better directional signage • Expanded ER space: larger treatment areas and an increase in patient rooms/beds • Waiting area enhancements: more seating, privacy, and comfort features.

2. Privacy & safety measures

• Increased patient privacy: separate areas for ER patients, visitors, and grieving families • Dedicated family and grieving spaces: safe, private rooms for families in distress • Enhanced security features: secure nurse stations, emergency call systems and isolation areas for crisis patients

3. Staffing & medical services

• More staff needed • Improved staff workspaces: larger workstations, better break rooms and overnight staff accommodations • Extended ER hours: many respondents requested 24/7 ER operation • Recruitment and retention efforts: competitive wages, incentives and staff housing solutions needed

4. Technology & equipment upgrades

• Modernized medical equipment: Investment in new diagnostic tools and imaging systems • Technology integration: implementation of digital systems • Better resource allocation: improved lab and diagnostic services for faster patient care

5. Patient experience & comfort

• Better waiting conditions: separate waiting rooms for critical and non-critical cases • Entertainment and transparency: TVs, wait time displays and better communication for patients • Improved accessibility: wider doorways, wheelchair accessible bathrooms and better patient movement/flow.

6. Operational & long term considerations

• Future-proofing the ER: design considerations for future healthcare needs and community growth • Community-centered decision making: strong demand for ongoing community consultation • Balancing renovation and staffing issues