After almost two years of construction, Phase I of Verde Valley Medical Center’s expansion project was completed in September 2008. With the completion of the Phase I construction phase, Phase II remodeling and renovation begins.

As the Northern Arizona population continues to grow, so do local healthcare needs. For this reason, VVMC initiated a major expansion project in November 2006. Approximately 100,000 square feet have been added to VVMC’s existing 225,000 square feet, and 45,000 square feet will be remodeled and renovated. Completion of the total $35 million project is anticipated for summer 2009.

“The initial VVMC building—originally named Marcus J. Lawrence Memorial Hospital—dates back almost 40 years,” said Rick Peterson, vice president of Support Services at VVMC. “We knew it was time to make some updates to provide the best healing environment for our patients and visitors.

The VVMC expansion project consists of two phases. Phase I included the four-story east addition and the two-story north addition. Phase II will remodel and renovate existing space in the current facility including Inpatient and Outpatient lobbies, Patient Registration, Lab draw station, Gift Shop, Cardiopulmonary Services, corridor to the new east addition, waiting areas, Medical Library, Emergency department, Surgery registration, Joint Replacement Program, Pharmacy and some ancillary services.

One part of the expansion included the change to all private rooms within the hospital. According to an article in the American Institute of Architects’ Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospital and Health Care Facilities, private patient rooms reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections as well as medication errors.

Private rooms are not the only part of the expansion—the Medical Imaging department has relocated to the first floor of the East addition to allow for increased technology and capabilities.

“A state-of-the-art Imaging department is a vital part of diagnosis and treatment,” said Liz Palomino, R.T., director of Medical Imaging at VVMC. “With that in mind, VVMC has gone completely digital—we have the latest computed radiography equipment and all our images are archived through a specialized Picture Archiving Communications System (PACS). Because every image captured at the hospital is now stored digitally, we quickly can transfer images to anywhere in the world, including physicians’ home or clinical offices.”

The relocation of the Imaging department makes room for the Emergency department to nearly double in size, allowing VVMC to meet the community’s increased demand for emergency care. Additional space has been reserved for continued growth and services—ensuring that VVMC is prepared for the future.

“VVMC strives to give excellent patient care and customer service,” said Palomino. “This expansion furthers these goals while providing the same VVMC professionals the community knows and trusts.”

The Verde Valley Medical Center Phase I expansion added 100,000 square feet to the existing facility.