It's likely the first place you find yourself should an emergency arise.

But like many other healthcare centers in the region, UHS Wilson Hospital often deals with overcrowding.

Now, thanks to a $132 million renovation, its emergency room will double in size, going from 27 beds to 49.

"We think that that additional space will make a real difference for patients being seen in a timely manner and the care that we can provide to them," said UHS President and CEO John Carrigg.

The six-story addition will also include more private rooms for patients.

As the senior population grows, hospital staff said the demand for these types of services increase.

"It's very important for seniors to have a sense of safety when they're in a difficult environment like if they're facing a health crisis or some sort of urgent situation," said Carrigg.

Healthcare is currently Broome County's largest area of employment.

This renovation is expected to create at least 70 more healthcare jobs.

"A project like this is significant to retaining jobs in the healthcare sector as well as the attraction of new positions. We know our healthcare providers here in Broome County and the region, there are jobs at all levels," said Stacey Duncan, executive director of the Broome County IDA.

The expansion comes at a time when more than 1,200 nursing students are expected to move into the brand-new Decker School of Nursing, which will sit just one block away.

"The ability to get them in a modernized facility to round out their clinical training and to have a real active opportunity to recruit them to stay in the community, work for us, work in healthcare," said Carrigg.

The project is expected to get underway this Fall and last three to four years.