Phase four of the Dorchester General Hospital emergency department construction project was completed when the nursing staff moved into their expanded work space in May.

Patients entering the hospital for emergency care register at the new emergency department reception desk. For the convenience of patients, an access representative is available around the clock in the ED to handle bedside registration.

The centrally located nursing station includes a patient nourishment center equipped with a coffee pot, refrigerator and microwave. Nurses dispense drugs from a centralized medication disbursement station and use a conveniently located pneumatic tube system to send specimens to the lab.

“The new work area is much more efficient for our nursing staff,” comments Cathy Weber, BSN, RN, CEN, manager of emergency services for Dorchester General Hospital. “The staff is also more visible to patients and visitors, which enhances communication and responsiveness to their needs.”

The expanded nursing station also provides ample space for emergency department physicians to make notes and to access electronically stored X-rays and other digital images used to make diagnoses and treatment plans.

The final phase of the project is moving forward as four patient rooms are being constructed where the nursing station used to be located. A patient rest room is being enlarged for handicap access. Finally, six existing patient rooms are being renovated with new cabinetry, paint, ceilings and flooring. The project is on schedule to be completed by the end of the summer.