A groundbreaking ceremony was held Wednesday to begin work on a major improvement project for Via Christi St. Joseph Medical Center in Wichita.
The $22 million capital improvement project will add 21,000 square feet to the hospital’s emergency department, bringing its total size to 36,000 square feet. The project will add 20 beds to the facility’s existing 29 beds and it will add an 11-bed psychiatric observation area that is designed for behavioral health patients. The size of the waiting areas will be increased and there will be upgrades to improve patient comfort.
The space will provide for rapid stabilization and immediate care. Via Christi St. Joseph emergency department medical director Dr. Matt Sinnwell, said in a press release that the project will create better patient flow and reduce wait times.
The project is being fully funded by an appropriation from the Kansas Legislature and Governor Laura Kelly through use of funds from the federal American Rescue Plan Act.
