Alaska Native Medical Center embarks on emergency department expansion to address increasing demands

Construction has commenced on a $257 million expansion of the emergency department at the Alaska Native Medical Center. The expansion is a response to capacity challenges faced by the hospital as it serves a growing population that is living longer and needing increased medical care. Currently, the hospital lacks enough rooms and beds, resulting in patients being placed in hallways and the emergency room. The expansion will add 21 additional rooms to the emergency department, allowing for more efficient care. The project will also include an updated ambulance bay, expanded behavioral health treatment areas, and surgery recovery spaces. The hope is to secure an additional $200 million in funding for further expansion, which will add more floors to the emergency department, a helipad, and additional inpatient beds. Hospital administrator Alan Vierling stated that the facility had returned to normal operations within 24 hours after facing capacity challenges, but emphasized the need for major infrastructure changes to prevent future disruptions. The expansion project is part of an effort to better serve the hospital’s growing patient count and address the increasing demand for medical services among the Alaska Native population. The project is expected to be completed by 2027, but construction may cause temporary disruptions to hospital access and parking areas.

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