Newton Healthcare Corporation (dba NMC Health) is proud to announce the expansion of its emergency department with specialized behavioral health safe spaces. The $3.4 million expansion will allow NMC Health’s Medical Center, located at 600 Medical Center Drive, to better serve patients in need of behavioral health services during emergency situations.
The Expansion Project
The expanded emergency department and new safe spaces will provide a more healing environment for patients in crisis. Currently, behavioral health patients are treated in regular emergency rooms adjacent to medical emergencies. Their needs often require 24-hour, one-on-one care for safety. The new behavioral health safe rooms will be designed to be ligature-free and tamper resistant. These specialized spaces will reduce opportunities for elopement, self-harm, and violence.
“Helping patients to calm down and de-escalate when they are in crisis is aided greatly by an environment designed specifically to meet their needs,” noted NMC Health President and CEO Val Gleason. “Not only will this expansion assist the patients, but also their families, our staff, law enforcement and others. It’s truly about providing the right care in the right place.”
The expansion includes:
- Three new state-of-the-art psychiatric care emergency rooms outfitted specifically for the care of persons experiencing behavioral health crises.
- Increased emergency care capacity and capability to better manage patient surges.
- A second dedicated, secure nurse station adjacent to the new rooms.
- Enhanced building security features in the emergency department.
- A remodeled and re-configured emergency department registration area.
- A fresh new look for persons entering the hospital through the emergency entrance.
- A new, modernized and enclosed ambulance garage immediately east of its current location.
- Updated emergency chemical decontamination capabilities ideal for a community with high train and truck traffic.
The expansion is a result of the growing need for behavioral health services in the community. NMC Health has seen an increase in patients seeking emergency services for behavioral health crises in recent years, and this expansion will help to address that need.
“We are proud to be able to provide this essential service,” said NMC Health Chairman of the Board Chris Conrade. “This expansion is a testament to our commitment to improving the health in our community.”
HFG Architecture and Eby Construction have been selected to complete the expansion. Construction is expected to begin in the coming months, with an estimated completion in spring 2025.
KDHE Rural Hospital Innovation Grant ($1.1 million)
Under the American Rescue Plan Act, Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has awarded NMC Health a lead grant of more than $1.1 million to support this expansion project. The grant funds will be administered by Harvey County on behalf of the State of Kansas.
The Sunderland Foundation Grant ($500 thousand)
The Sunderland Foundation, a family foundation rooted in Kansas City, awarded NMC Health an additional support grant of $500 thousand to help make the expansion possible. The Sunderland Foundation was established in 1945 by Lester T. Sunderland. The foundation seeks to improve the quality of life in the communities it serves with support for higher education, human services, arts and culture, and health care and hospitals.
“We are proud to have nearly half of the funds already raised for this project,” noted Gleason. “We couldn’t have done it without the guidance and support of the Harvey County Administrator and Commissioners, Anthony Jones from KDHE, J. Randall Vance from The Sunderland Foundation, and multiple community partners who wrote grant support letters.”
Support Opportunities – Kansas Community Service Tax Credit Program (CSP)
NMC Health will apply for Kansas Community Service Tax Credits to provide supporters of the expansion project an added benefit to their donation. Businesses or individuals subject to Kansas income tax, Kansas privilege tax or the premium tax or privilege fees imposed on insurance companies, may receive tax credits for contributions made to the project. Donors receive a Kansas tax credit of fifty cents for each dollar donated. The minimum amount that can be donated is $250, and there is no maximum amount. Pledge letters for individuals or businesses wishing to contribute and receive Kansas tax credits must be received by NMC Health before April 15, 2024.
Those interested may contact Patty Meier at 316-804-6219 or patricia.meier@mynmchealth.org
About NMC Health
NMC Health is an award-winning medical care system focused on improving health throughout Newton, Kan., Harvey, Sedgwick and surrounding counties. Featuring a 99-bed hospital located at the intersection of I-135 and Highway 50, and 10 primary care and specialty clinics, NMC Health’s services and specialties include emergency medicine, orthopedics, urology, surgical services, rehabilitation, occupational medicine, home health, wound care and more. For more information, call 316-283-2700 or visit mynmchealth.org.
