Santa RosaCounty’s hospital, the Santa RosaMedicalCenter, is growing by square footage and well-rounded staff to better serve a rapidly growing community. According to Santa RosaMedicalCenter officials, by July of this year the emergency department will expand to 17,500 square feet. The expansion in ER square footage follows the growth in SRMC’s doctor recruitment, growing from one or two doctors a year to eight in 2015. SRMC’s new CEO, Doug Sills, says his focus is to continue those things the previous CEO, Stephen Wright, began.
The acquisition of SRMC’s previous owner, Health Management Associates, by Community Health Systems saw a change in management with Sills replacing Wright. However, Sills had nothing but good things to say about his predecessor. “I think (Wright) did a real good job to change the image and quality (of the hospital). He also got a project like the ER started.” Sills said he’s not taking credit for Wright’s accomplishments while his focus is on continuing things Wright already started.
While the emergency department is growing by several thousand feet, Sills said, who began his job with the hospital February 2015, the impact on the patient should be minimal. The two-phase construction project will continue with 24/7 operations throughout the entire construction period. The hospital should not experience a time when it can’t see patients due to the construction.
Officials said the new emergency department will provide 17 all-private exam rooms, four of which are designated for patients with minor illnesses and injuries. Additionally, three triage rooms and four private patient discharge areas designed to free beds quicker for incoming patients will provide more streamlined patient care with less waiting.
Sills said since SRMC has good relationships with its westerly neighbors like Sacred Heart, Baptist Medical, and WestFloridaHospital, he doesn’t feel the need to add to SRMC’s existing services. He said when patients have need for open heart and tertiary services, the door is open to send them to these others and vice versa.
The focus of Sills work, he said, would be to continue growing the personnel. As stated, 2015 saw a noteworthy growth in staff. Jason Boole, an ear, nose, and throat doctor opened his practice, specializing in sinus, allergy, and sleep medicine, including a certified audiologist, Rebecca Ratliff inside the PaceMedicalPark on Highway 90.
SRMC also has a dedicated full-time pain manager in Dr. Mathew McCune. He provides comprehensive pain management including physical therapy, chiropractic care, narcotic management, massage therapy, nerve conduction studies, EMG and medical braces.
Sills added the hospital still needs more OB/GYN, and is recruiting for two more. “We have three already but we need to expand,” he said.
All of this growth, Sills said, also means an impact on the local economy. New staff means more (high level) tax payers while the construction will mean about 100 workers on the project at its height.
Additionally, most of the supplies and equipment will be purchased from local vendors selected by the general contractor, M.J. Harris Construction Services. Landscaping, flooring installation, electrical work, masonry, roofing and all other finishing services will be provided by local contractors and their employees.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: SRMC expands ER, staff