CHI Health St. Francis temporarily moving emergency department

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. -- Significant changes are coming to a central Nebraska hospital for the next year.

The emergency department at CHI Health St. Francis is temporarily relocating to accommodate a 9-12-month renovation.

Starting at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 18, those seeking walk-in emergency care are asked to use Entrance D on the west side of the hospital. Entrance D will also remain the entry point for surgery. The most efficient access to the dual entrance is from the west directly off of St. Francis Drive, hospital officials said. Directional signage will be posted. 

The temporary ED, using space vacated when the hospital’s new surgery opened last year, will continue to function as a fully-operational, 24/7, level III trauma and stroke center. The switch-over will not delay or affect the quality of emergency care provided at St. Francis, hospital leaders said Thursday.

The $13 million construction project will enlarge and update the hospital’s current ED built in the late 1970s. Once complete, the all-new space will function more efficiently, accommodate larger, more advanced technology and provide better access for patients and staff, according to officials at CHI Health.

At a later date, the point of entry for ambulance transports will temporarily adjust 200 feet to the west of the current ambulance garage. Area EMS crews will receive prior notice and directional signage will be posted at that time.