Members of the community joined the hospital staff in the grand opening and ribbon cutting event for the newly remodeled Emergency Department at McAllen Medical Center.

You'll notice some dramatic changes the next time you visit the Emergency Department (ED) at McAllen Medical Center. We've renovated the emergency room (ER) and created a more spacious lobby and registration area.

"The ER is more attractive, it functions better, and it's more private so it's easier for families to support their loved ones during medical emergencies," says Rebecca Ryder, Interim Chief Executive Officer at McAllen Medical Center.

When patients arrive at the entrance on the east side of the Medical Center, they find a large reception area with soundproof cubicles. There's a greeter to welcome them to the hospital and a larger triage room on the right. The triage room is equipped with cameras and monitors that show the ED entrance and lobby.

With this equipment, the triage nurse and triage tech can see all patients in the waiting area and at the entrance so that they are aware of any immediate help needed by our patients.

The ER waiting room also has a new, warmer decor, with new walls, flooring and ceilings. The area now features bright colors, beautiful artwork, new furniture and small play areas for children.

The newly refurbished waiting room offers a comfortable setting for patients seeking emergent care.

"The Emergency Department renovations go beyond our physical structure," says Al Calzada, RN, Director of Emergency and Trauma Services at McAllen Medical Center and McAllen Heart Hospital. "We're a trauma center so our trauma patients -- who are often transported to the ER -- take priority. But we've also changed some of our procedures so that we can treat walk-in patients as quickly as possible."

The next phase of the ED renovation will start next year when workers begin refurbishing the patient treatment areas and the nurses' station.

The ER is located on the east side of McAllen Medical Center, 301 W. Expressway 83 in McAllen. Never hesitate to call 911 in an emergency.

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