Victor Valley Global Medical Center expanding emergency services department
Victor Valley Global Medical Center is expanding its emergency services department at the campus on Eleventh Street in Victorville.
Local dignitaries joined KPC Health executives at VVGMC to break ground on phase one of a multi-phase project that is expected to better serve some estimated 40,000 annual emergency room patients.
KPC Health CEO Peter Baronoff welcomed visitors, including physicians, staff and KPC Group founder and Chairman Dr. Kali Chaudhuri during the event on Oct. 25.
The doctor told those in attendance that VVGMC is expanding even as newspapers announce daily the closure of hospitals.
“I don’t want to talk big; I want to talk practical,” said Chaudhuri, who explained that improving the aging and small ER was a priority, despite the current financial crisis.
Baronoff also welcomed Victorville Mayor Debra Jones; Victor Valley College Board Trustee Joseph W. Brady; and representatives of State Sen. Scott Wilk and 1st District Supervisor Paul Cook.
The project
Phase one of the project includes renovating the existing facility’s emergency space by adding about 6,800 square feet, with room for 16 more beds.
An expanded waiting room will double in size to accommodate 40 visitors and a newly designed entrance will allow for better access, flow and patient experience.
A new and expanded reception/receiving station will be added, along with new admitting booths and a state-of-the-art CT scanner and control room.
Phase one is expected to be completed by the fall of 2023.
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A proposed phase two includes adding 5,200 square feet, with room for 12 more beds, as well as the construction of a rotunda area in building No. 4 and a new entrance to accommodate nine ambulances.
Phase two's estimated completion date is Nov. 2024.
The importance of critical care
Rep. Jay Obernolte thanked KPC officials for their investment and told the audience that access to quality health care is critical for the success of the High Desert community.
“You don’t even realize the importance of that until you need it,” said Obernolte, who shared how, as a young parent, his son disassembled a calculator and stuck a button from the device up his nose.
Obernolt credited VVGMC staff for calming the nerves of him and his wife, Heather, and for treating their son.
VVGMC CEO Marilyn Drone shared the need for expanding the medical center’s services and how the hospital desires to take the lead as the High Desert continues to grow.
During the event, Drone and KPC executives repeatedly thanked the physicians and medical staff for their dedication to serving the community, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
KPC officials said the medical center played a key role during the pandemic, with medical personnel working tirelessly to serve many patients.
“The last several years have been tough for everyone in very many ways,” Drone said. “Victor Valley Global Medical Center, it was tough as with other hospitals. But the dedication and perseverance of the staff, the physicians and the community is what pulled it all together and got everyone through to take care of our patients.”
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Drone thanked dozens of individual and organization partners who supported VVGMC during the pandemic. Some included Cal Fire, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Victor Valley College God’s Hand Extended and the Home Depot.
Officials also offered a moment of silence to recognize key members of the medical staff family and others who died during the pandemic.
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 or RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Victor Valley Global Medical Center expanding ER in Victorville
