Entrance, Lobby Renovated August 1, 2003 Catawba Valley Medical Center’s Emergency Department Entrance, Lobby Renovated Catawba Valley Medical Center’s Emergency Department was built in 1990 to serve 36,000 patients maximum annually. But in the years since, patient visits have increased to more than 47,000 each year. In its ongoing effort to provide the residents of the Catawba Valley with quality healthcare delivered in a faster, more convenient manner, the medical center’s first phase of renovation to its Emergency Department is now finished, according to Van Haygood, the department’s director. “We are delighted to have the first phase of renovation completed,” said Haygood. “In addition to giving the space a fresh, customer-friendly appearance, the new ED greatly enhances confidentiality for patients with three private registration rooms. We also have an improved triage area where patients receive initial assessment of their illness or injury.” During the recent months of construction, the Emergency Department’s entrance has been temporarily relocated. Guests will now find the department entrance in its original location. Triage is located immediately inside the entrance. Patient registration is located to the right of triage; waiting rooms, a canteen and handicap-accessible restrooms including baby-changing stations are to the left. The waiting area includes new furnishings. To further insure patient privacy, each will be provided a notification device. These are similar to the Glow Coasters used in restaurants. The device will indicate when it is appropriate to proceed to the treatment area. “We are very grateful for the patience shown by our visitors during the months of renovation,” said Haygood. “With this phase complete, we will continue to provide the quality healthcare for which Catawba Valley Medical Center is known in a more comfortable and confidential manner.” Phase two of the renovation will include expansion of the department’s treatment area by about 50%. To better serve the community, laboratory and radiology services including CT will ultimately be provided within the Emergency Department. Catawba Valley Medical Center is a not-for-profit healthcare system providing and promoting the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well being of the public in addition to serving as a center for health education, wellness services, preventative medicine and acute care. It was recently designated as the thirty-second Magnet facility in the nation and the second in the Carolinas.