The first phase of the new emergency center at Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, located in Royal Oak, Mich., is set to open Aug. 31. The four-phase, 125,000-square-foot, $120.8 million expansion and renovation project will be complete by the end of 2018. At that time, the emergency center will have 73 private adult rooms, 20 semi-private, 10 private behavioral health rooms and 16 private pediatric rooms. During the first phase of the renovation, portions of the former center will remain in use, but 53 new private adult beds will be available for patients. The renovation also includes four expansive trauma care bays and an area offering expedited care for patients with minor injuries and illnesses.

Fifty-four new, private medical observation rooms on the lower level of the center will allow caregivers to monitor, treat and test patients admitted to the Observation Unit. There is also a new rooftop medical helipad for direct, easy access to Oakland and Macomb counties’ only Level I adult trauma center and Level II pediatric trauma center.

The new center offers private rooms with glass doors and walls, and communication boards that provide caregiver and plan of care information. The center’s “Beau to Go” café offers hot food and refreshments in a family lounge. There is natural lighting via skylights and artwork throughout. Additional design features include contrasting colors, easy-to-read signage, elevated toilets and grab bars. A future phase also includes a newly renovated pediatric emergency center with special accommodations and amenities for children and their families.

MRI and CT imaging is located inside the center and there will be more point-of-care testing available at bedside including portable X-rays, echocardiograms and Doppler ultrasounds to test for blood clots. Other improved messaging technology allow caregivers to share patient information, such as test results, with each other and physician offices.

Beaumont’s construction and design partners in the project include: architect and engineer Harley Ellis Deveraux of Southfield, Mich.; construction manager Barton Malow of Southfield, Mich.; and design architect FreemanWhite of North Carolina.