Renovations planned for hospital's emergency room

• The renovations will increase the number of treatment rooms and result in improvements to the waiting room.
• A hospital official says the changes are needed because of an increased number of patients.
• The renovations likely will begin in the spring.

FARMINGTON — The San Juan Regional Medical Center will renovate about 10,000 square feet in the emergency room next year, according to Larry Smith, the director of support services for the hospital.

The San Juan County Commission on Tuesday unanimously authorized the medical center to use $2.5 million of gross receipts tax bonds that was set aside for renovations at the San Juan Regional Medical Center. There is currently about $2.7 million in the hospital bond fund.

Smith said the renovations will increase the number of treatment rooms, as well as space for treatment in progress and results waiting. It will also improve the reception area, waiting room and amenities.

Smith said the renovations are needed due to increased numbers of patients in the emergency room. He said the volume of people who use the emergency room services has been increasing each year for several years.

"We need to do some changes to keep up with the demand," Smith said.

While the hospital has made operational changes to meet the increased demand, Smith said physical changes to the space also are needed.

He said the medical center is working on the designs and likely will begin work on the renovations in the spring.

Hannah Grover covers government for The Daily Times. She can be reached at 505-564-4652.