State Approves Carle Emergency Expansion

The state of Illinois has signed off on Carle Foundation Hospital’s request to expand its emergency department, adding 14,000 square feet and 17 more acute beds.

Emergency Medicine Chair Greg Swindle says the area is in desperate need for more space, having to place 13 beds in the hallway.

He says the department is currently built for about 50,000 patients, and expects to see 70,000 this year.

"They don't have much privacy, needless to say, and there are people running up and down the halls," he said.  "I think it will provide for a little more efficient care, and less disruptions to the staff and to the patients as well."

Illinois’ Health Facilities and Services Review Board approved the work Tuesday after the Urbana hospital submitted the request in August.

Work is expected to start soon, with completion slated for 2014.  Cost of the expansion is estimated at $15-million.