Facts

By doubling the size of our emergency room (ER), Forsyth Medical Center is able to handle the increasing number of patients coming to the hospital for treatment. It also provides additional capacity as the projected need for  care continues to grow.  Our ER is the largest in the state and has the capacity to handle 110,000 patients a year.

Improved Care with Advanced Diagnostics, Technology & Higher Level of Trained Staff in Critical Care

Expanded radiology capabilities with the latest imaging technology, increased staffing with a higher level of critical care training, expanded triage capabilities and advanced integrated technology allows for faster more complete diagnostics to determine most appropriate treatment.

Designed to Be the Most Efficient ER in the Region

To insure the new ER was designed to be highly functional and efficient, FMC established an advisory design team that included ER staff, ER physicians, ER nurses, hospital physicians, radiology staff, admitting personnel, lab personnel, Forsyth County Emergency Medical Services and representatives from cardiology, orthopedics, psychiatry, surgery and hospital security. The combined experience and knowledge of this team was essential in designing the most efficient ER facility in the region.

Reduced Wait Times and Fast Response for Critical Care

The new ER facility design and patient treatment procedures have shortened wait times for minor treatments and expedite patient admission for those needing in-patient care. A separate entrance for EMS to a new critical care area insures faster response to life threatening illnesses and injuries.

Major Investment in Community and Creation of New Jobs

Forsyth Medical Center had invested $18 million in construction and equipment for the new ER and hired an additional staff for the newly created areas of care.

Background

In addition to treating critical care emergencies, the ER increasingly is where people go for a broad range of care. From primary care for minor illnesses and injuries such as colds, flu and broken bones to major emergencies including stroke and heart attack, the ER at Forsyth Medical Center provides the community with highly accessible quality care. Regardless of a patients ability to pay, no one is refused care at Forsyth. The Novant Health System provides almost $200 million annually in care to those unable to pay for all or even part of the cost. The ER accounts for approximately 50 percent of that amount. As the number of people without health insurance in our region continues to grow, additional demands will be placed on the ER. Forsyth Medical Center has designed the new emergency department to meet those demands with the most modern and efficient facility in the region.