FARRELL, Pa. - UPMC Horizon-Shenango Valley in Farrell announced on Wednesday that it will soon begin work on an over $1 million expansion project for the emergency department in response to community needs.

According to a news release, the expansion will add five additional beds to the emergency department, which would provide greater capacity to offer more accessible emergency care for patients in the Shenango Valley. The beds will specifically be for patients who need low-acuity care. 

“Simple cuts, orthopedic issues, sore throats, more minor illnesses that people are still seeking emergency room care for,”  Dr. Beth Piccione the UPMC Horizon President said. .

Low acuity patients could be treated at urgent care but sometimes come to the ER if those facilities are closed or they didn’t know they had the option of urgent care.

“People are coming to the ER ultimately not because they want to but because they’re afraid something is really wrong,” Dr. Piccione said. “Really, it is our duty to be able to acknowledge that and to be able to provide appropriate triage.”

When the five beds are up and running, all patients will come in the same ER entrance, sit in the same waiting room, and be evaluated by a nurse as usual. However, if a nurse determines they have a less serious injury or illness during triage, they will be moved to one of the beds in the Low Acuity Station. 

“That will allow us to free up our other beds really directed for people who are very highly likely to be admitted,” Dr. Piccione said.

This expansion is expected to streamline care, reduce wait times, and accommodate staff with the space and capacity to deliver high-quality care and expertise.

"When demand for UPMC services increases, we prioritize, and we respond to the needs of our community. People arrive at our hospitals in all forms of medical distress, and our skilled physicians and staff possess the knowledge and resources to provide the highest level of care for their needs," Dr. Piccione said. 

This comes nearly six years after a $4.5 million expansion to add more beds in 2018. Seven beds were added in that expansion, but according to the release, the Farrell hospital's emergency department's patient volume has increased by nearly 15% annually in recent years.

In 2023, UPMC cared for about 21,000 patients at its Farrell hospital, representing a 13% increase compared to 2022.

The 2018 expansion added an additional 7,000 square feet to the emergency department. With this new expansion, a total of 1,300 square feet will be added.

The Low Acuity Station is expected to be up and running in the summer of 2024.