According to the New York State Department of Health, there are around 7 million visits to emergency departments annually. One hospital in the Southern Tier is expanding its capacity.

Wednesday is the opening of the UHS Wilson Medical Center's new facilities to the public. Changes include a new helipad, new patient rooms and an expanded emergency department.

What You Need To Know

  •  UHS Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City built a new tower

  •  The addition will allow more emergency beds, private patient rooms, and a new helipad

  • Wednesday is the opening of the emergency area

Two years ago, ground was broken to expand healthcare in Broome County. Now, the hospital is opening a bigger emergency room.

“There's a higher demand for the emergency room throughout this area, both at our facility as well as nationally. And we've seen that happening. So, we've expanded our rooms so we can handle that volume going forward,” said Dr. Jeffrey Gray, the vice president of hospital services.

At UHS Wilson Medical Center, they used to have 32 beds, but now emergency care can be provided for up to 49 people at a time. Gray said COVID-19 taught them the importance of individual rooms moving forward.

“From an infection control perspective, this will be fantastic. Private rooms will be what they can use to make sure they're taken care of appropriately and efficiently,” said Gray.

There will also be a covered entrance for ambulances, and upstairs, there are new private patient rooms.

For local residents, the new main entrance for the UHS Wilson Medical Center will be via Harrison Street, and the new emergency entrance will be accessed via Baldwin Street.