State OKs medical center expansion

A $29.3 million expansion of Carson Valley Medical Center has been approved by the state.

The 44,000-square-foot project will expand the emergency room from five to 12 beds, increase the operating room from two limited rooms to three full-sized rooms, add two procedure rooms.

The groundbreaking could happen at any time under Nevada Department of Health and Human Services’ approval with completion estimated by October 2023 and certification by Dec. 6, 2023.

In a letter of support, Chief Hospitalist Dr. Trevor Phan said the expansion is important to deal with the increase in patients over the past several years.

“Currently, half of the hospital rooms are double-occupancy,” he said. “In order to arrange two patients in one room we have to make sure they are compatible in many aspects, like gender or medical problems.”

He pointed out that with the coronavirus outbreak, the need for single rooms has been even more critical in order to isolate patients.

“Expanding the hospital and converting all the double rooms into single rooms we will no doubt provide patients with better care and improve patients’ experience.”

Douglas County Economic Vitality Manager Lisa Granahan said the Carson Valley’s population of residents 65 and older are expected to grow by 13.6 percent, faster than the general population.

“The demographics of our community make this expansion critical to being able to serve our population,” she said. “Adequate availability of healthcare is important to businesses looking to expand or relocate to our community,” she said. “It is considered essential and expected by our residents, many of whom are very active and enjoy outdoor recreation, even as they age.”

East Fork Fire Protection District Chief Tod Carlini said many Valley residents prefer local levels of service.

“Their family and friends hope that treatment and service can remain local, negating long drives to other regional facilities,” he said. “The project will also expand regional capacity and service, as well. As we have seen, the impacts of a global pandemic draw no boundaries when it comes to hospital services and capacity.”