Phelps Health will soon begin construction of a $60 million, state-of-the-art Emergency Department (ED) in Rolla.

More than 100 people attended a groundbreaking event at the East Entrance of the Phelps Health campus.

The nearly 38,000-square-foot expansion will more than double the size of the current ED, which is about 17,000 square feet. Once complete, the new department will include 32 treatment beds, expanded behavioral health space, observation rooms, and onsite imaging services such as radiology, CT and ultrasound — resources not previously available within the ED itself.

“This project is about transforming emergency care for generations to come,” said Jason Shenefield, president and CEO of Phelps Health. “It ensures we’re meeting today’s patient needs while preparing for future growth at Phelps Health.”

The new ED design focuses on the patient and family experience, with larger waiting rooms, private bereavement areas, specialized rooms for bariatric and sexual assault patients, and safe spaces for behavioral health care. Dedicated isolation rooms will allow staff to respond to potential infectious disease outbreaks, an important lesson learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Projects like this are possible only through trust and collaboration between Phelps Health and the community,” said Janece Martin, vice chair of Phelps Health Board of Trustees. “As a Board, we are committed to making wise investments that truly improve the care experience for everyone in our region.”

The expansion also takes into account the well-being of emergency staff. A larger break area, wellness and respite spaces, and additional conference rooms will help staff recharge, train and coordinate during major events such as natural disasters.

“Our clinicians face some of the most stressful situations in medicine,” said Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nursing Officer Keri Brookshire-Heavin. “This new department is designed with both patients and staff in mind, giving families privacy, supporting staff wellness and ensuring safe, high-quality care. It demonstrates our commitment to going beyond better for our patients, community and team.”

The upper floors of the new facility will provide flexible space for future growth, ensuring that Phelps Health can continue meeting the community’s evolving healthcare needs for years to come.

To learn more about Phelps Health’s ED expansion and other services, visit phelpshealth.org.