Laredo Medical Center Emergency Department and ICU Expansion

Changing for the better:

In the Spring of 2010, the ED underwent a huge transformation. Phase One of the plans call for the ED to increase from 28 to 38 private treatment rooms and is designed with patients, staff and physicians’ needs in mind. Once completed the Unit will have specialty areas dedicated to trauma, OB, orthopedics, cardiac and a fast track area for minor illness/injury. In addition, the new ER will have enhanced privacy amenities such as patient/physician consultation rooms and bedside registration. Patients and their families will also have access to a larger reception area.

During construction, the current ED will remain open and fully operational while the new ED is being built.

Phase Two of the project will be the development of a new Intensive Care Unit. Plans call for the ICU to almost double in size and expand from 22 to 40 beds. The Unit will offer patients spacious rooms with window views as well as enhanced technology to support the hospital's most critically ill patients.

Emergency Department (ED) Project (Phase 1)

• Growth from 28 to 38 treatment rooms. Largest ER in Laredo.
• All private exam rooms.
• Use of "POD" concept (4 exam rooms) which increases staffing efficiencies and improves work flow for nurse to patient ratio.
• Support space is located in core of the unit away from the public and easily accessed by both sides of the unit.
• Relocated main ED entrance allows for better visual wayfinding for ED patients entering site from Lloyd Bentsen Highway.
• Dedicated Radiographic Room.
• Construction phasing allows for current ED to remain open and fully operational while the new ED is built.

ICU Project (Phase 2)

• Growth from 22 to 40 ICU beds. Largest ICU in Laredo.
• Renovation of existing Emergency Department for ICU expansion
• Combination of decentralized and centralized nurse station concept.
• ICU rooms are larger and will allow more family members in the room, if desired.
• Large family waiting room for approximately 50-55 people at one time.

Renovation Plans

View of Final Floor Plan (PDF)
View of Emergency Ambulance Entrance (PDF)
View of Emergency Walk-in Entrance (PDF)

Press Releases