Today, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center opened its new 45,000-square-foot adult emergency department. This opening marks the completion of the first phase of the new care tower.
The new adult emergency department features 43 new treatment rooms, including trauma rooms, four private triage rooms, behavioral health rooms, two lab areas and on-site ultrasound, X-ray and MRI services, to allow patients to receive more efficient care in one place. A convenient drop-off area and a large check-in and waiting area are designed to improve the experience for patients and loved ones.
“This state-of-the-art emergency department allows us to increase access to health care for everyone in our community, especially when unexpected illnesses or medical emergencies happen,” said Dr. Chad Miller, North Carolina and Georgia leader of emergency medicine for Advocate Health, of which Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist is part, and chair of emergency medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
“We know emergency departments are stressful environments, so it was important for us to be thoughtful in designing this new space with the needs of our patients, family members and teammates at the forefront.”
Nearly 300 teammates, including providers, nurses, radiologists, lab technicians, environmental services and more will work in this new space. Numerous enhancements will increase safety for patients, visitors and staff.
Over the next year, the current adult emergency department will be renovated. Once completed, the two emergency department areas combined will provide 84,000 square feet of space.
“Every second counts in an emergency,” Miller said. “We are committed to growing to meet the needs of our communities and this new space allows us to continue to elevate our level of care for those who count on us.”
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center is the region’s only Level I adult trauma center and Level I pediatric trauma center. This new space, combined with the remodeled portion of the existing adult emergency department will allow Wake Forest Baptist to care for nearly 70,000 patients a year. The remaining portions of the care tower will be fully opened by fall 2025.
Media contact: Jenna Kurzyna, jkurzyna@wakehealth.edu