Expansion Nearly Complete at West Virginia Hospitals East | State Journal

Martinsburg, WV — The finishing touches are nearly all in place in an expanded and updated emergency department at West Virginia University Hospitals East. rnrnThe $11 million expansion has not only increased capacity from 27 to 40 beds, but it has been configured to provide a private room for every patient. Additionally, the design provides for a centralized administrative area that congregates staff for increased efficiency and reduces noise in patient rooms. The department is now capable of handling 65,000 patient visits annually, up from 45,000 before the expansion. And staff facilities, including new office spaces, physician call rooms and a 12-seat conference room, have been included.rnrnIn a nearly paperless system, each patient room is equipped with a computer monitor on which patient progress, pharmaceutical orders and test results are noted. Emergency Department Medical Director Dr. Daryl LaRusso said this system allows physicians to initiate orders for patient care before leaving the patient’s side. “Before I leave the room