OSF HealthCare announced on May 19 the completion of an expansion and renovation of the emergency department at OSF HealthCare St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg, Illinois. The project increased the space by 7,000 square feet and added six new rooms to accommodate more patients.
The expansion is intended to address the growing healthcare needs of the community by providing additional resources and capabilities for emergency care. Hospital leaders said this change has already resulted in a 30% decrease in time for patients to see a provider.
“We are deeply committed to meeting the growing healthcare needs of our community, and this expansion of the emergency department reflects that commitment. By investing in additional space, resources, and capabilities, we are ensuring patients and families have timely access to high-quality emergency care close to home,” Zach Yoder, President of OSF St. Mary Medical Center, said. “This dedication is about more than growth. It is about strengthening our ability to serve the community with compassion, excellence and readiness for the future.”
Nathaniel Baker, MD, managing medical director of emergency medicine with OSF HealthCare St. Mary Medical Center said: “This will allow us to provide timely, high-quality care for a greater number of patients. Adding a second triage room allows our Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) to evaluate patients from the waiting room without impacting the triage nurse’s ability to efficiently care for patients. This change ensures patients’ care can move forward even while in the waiting room.”
The event was marked by a Blessing & Dedication ceremony attended by hospital staff as well as community partners from across Greater Galesburg.
OSF HealthCare provides services such as emergency care, cancer treatment, heart services, neurological support, primary medicine, mental health care and digital health options through OSF OnCall; it operates a network including 17 hospitals along with urgent-care locations and clinics across Illinois and Michigan; its mission includes supporting community well-being through clinical initiatives and outreach efforts according to its official website.
Hospital leaders say this latest investment demonstrates their ongoing commitment not only within Galesburg but also throughout all communities served by OSF HealthCare.
