Hospital, County Officials Cut Ribbon for Emergency Department Improvements

10/9/17

County funding supports behavioral health needs, pediatric health

Howard County General Hospital President Steve Snelgrove was joined today by Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman and members of the Howard County Council for a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the opening of adult and pediatric emergency department improvements made possible with county funding.

Kittleman and council members Calvin Ball, Jen Terrasa and Mary Kay Sigaty joined hospital officials in touring a new fast-track rapid-evaluation area in the emergency department. The area is designed so patients with more routine conditions can be treated and released rapidly.

Also unveiled: a new pediatric emergency waiting area designed with a Hubble Space Telescope theme, with new treatment spaces for pediatric behavioral health patients opening soon.

The renovations and reconfiguration of existing space on the hospital’s first floor was made possible by a multi-year grant commitment from Howard County, which began in Kittleman’s fiscal year 2017 budget, approved by the County Council.

Howard County General Hospital has received two installments of $312,500 for the project, with more anticipated.

“This generous and critical funding helps provide a better experience for some of our most vulnerable patients,” Snelgrove said. “Growth in the county means that our hospital is always busy, and behavioral health patients are also on the rise. These new areas provide a better experience for everyone.”

“There is clearly a need for more treatment spaces in our growing community,” said Kittleman. “Howard County General Hospital has demonstrated that it is a responsible steward of resources and knows how to provide quality care. We fully support this project.”

The first-floor renovations are being completed as Howard County General Hospital seeks final approval to embark on a broader project: a more than $40-million two-story construction project to create new observation and psychiatric units, replacing some of the hospital’s oldest space.

“The hospital is planning for the future and providing the space needed to serve this community,” said Paul Skalny, chairman of the Howard County General Hospital board of trustees, who participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “The need is clear and we have a vision to achieve our goals.”

“Our community has already demonstrated strong support for this campus expansion plan, and our efforts will continue,” added Doug Beigel, chairman of the Howard Hospital Foundation.

To learn more about the hospital’s construction plans or to donate to the “Building Today for a Healthier Tomorrow” campaign, go to www.hcghoftomorrow.org.

About Howard County General Hospital

Howard County General Hospital: A Member of Johns Hopkins Medicine is a not-for-profit health care provider with 267 licensed beds located in Columbia, Maryland. A comprehensive, acute-care medical center, Howard County General offers a full range of services, from neonatal care and oncology to outpatient treatment and critical care.

The hospital has a professional staff of more than 900 physicians and allied health professionals, representing more than 90 specialties and subspecialties; a workforce of more than 1,800 individuals and over 300 volunteers.

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