Wake Forest Baptist Helps in Emergency Department Expansion

May 25, 2011

Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center participated in the Wilkes Regional Medical Center groundbreaking event on May 11 for the expansion of the Emergency Department (ED) and the addition of a new heart center. 

Wake Forest Baptist loaned Wilkes Regional Medical Center $10 million for the expansion, which will begin construction in July with Shelco, Inc. of Winston-Salem. 

Arnold Lakey, chairman of the Wilkes Regional Medical Center Board, said, “Many good things have happened here at the hospital and progress is being made every day. We have a lot of new equipment and new physicians being added, making a good staff complete.  Wilkes citizens and those in surrounding counties should keep their eyes on this hospital as we truly become a regional medical center.” 

The ED will double in size to a total area of 17,140 square feet. This will increase exam rooms from 19 to 29. The expansion allows Wilkes Regional Medical Center to continue to provide high quality care in the ED.

The 2,200 square foot heart center will also be part of the ED expansion.  The addition of this center will provide a new level of cardiac services and will have space for the two board certified cardiologist contracted through Wake Forest Baptist to be on their campus at all times.

Media Relations

Megan Lee: news@wakehealth.edu, 336-713-4587

Chad Campbell: news@wakehealth.edu, 336-713-4587