McLeod Medical Center Dillon continues its tradition of bringing excellent health care to the people in Dillon County and the bordering counties of South and North Carolina. The needs of those citizens continue to grow. In 2006, the Emergency Department at McLeod Dillon treated nearly 24,000 patients. In 2010, there were more than 26,000 Emergency Department visits, partly because of limited options for urgent care or after-hours primary care. All ages of patients are treated — from pediatric to geriatric. Based on historical data, the volume of patients using the Emergency Department for trauma and primary care is projected to continue to grow at a rate of 2.2 percent each year for the next ten years. To meet that need, McLeod Medical Center Dillon plans to open the doors to a new Emergency Department. At the dedication ceremony on December 21 Deborah D. Locklair, Administrator at McLeod Dillon, commented, “A new Emergency Department at McLeod Dillon will make emergency care more accessible and timely for patients in the area. In creating the new design, the focus of the expansion has been on efficiency and flexibility — providing for future growth and changes based upon population and technology. This focus will optimize benefits to the community.” The renovation and construction project is estimated at $6.3 million. With the addition of approximately 9,365 square feet, it will have 17 new exam and treatment rooms, including designated triage and trauma rooms, a decontamination area, and staff support spaces. A new entrance for walk-in patients will keep them separate from those arriving by ambulance. A new family waiting area has been designed for improved privacy and safety. In addition, a dedicated site for a helicopter pad will allow transporting of trauma patients. Existing Emergency Department exam rooms and support areas will be renovated to flow into the new construction. Robins and Morton is the General Contractor for the Emergency Department constructions. The architect for the project is Design Strategies, LLC. Hoffman Steel is the steel supplier for the project. The McLeod Foundation “One Vision, One Future” campaign is making a $25 million investment to improve and enhance its services, including the McLeod Dillon Emergency Department expansion project, as well as the expansion of the McLeod Hospice House and the McLeod Cancer Center. Jill Bramblett, Executive Director of the McLeod Foundation, explained that while the campaign is in its early stages, they have received generous gifts by reaching out to the McLeod family and friends of the Foundation. Community funding will continue to support the project. About McLeod Medical Center Dillon A 79-bed community, not-for-profit, acute-care hospital, McLeod Dillon has a long history of providing quality care to its community. For more information, visit www.mcleodhealth.org/dillon.