Woodwinds Hospital adds beds in response to emergency department crowding

M Health Fairview Woodwinds Hospital recently renovated its emergency department (ED), adding eight more patient rooms in response to the growing need for emergency care in the community.

“The expansion and upgrades dramatically increase patient access to care and improves safety for patients and staff by having the right care in the best possible location in our ED,” said Michele Brin, vice president of operations at Woodwinds. “The additional rooms bring our total capacity to 23 beds, which will improve patient flow, but we continue to advocate for policies and partnerships to further improve the crowding we are experiencing.”

When the Woodwinds ED opened in 2000, 15 beds were adequate. But ED visits are increasing. In 2012, about 26,000 patients sought care in the Woodwinds ED. In 2023, that number ballooned to 37,000 patients. An aging population and growing surrounding community contributed. It's also partly due to changes in how people use emergency care, such as:

From awareness to action

M Health Fairview has taken proactive steps in recent years to raise awareness of the growing demand on EDs, calling on community partners, state lawmakers, and other segments of the broader health system to join hospitals in meeting the needs of the community. This January, M Health Fairview St. John's Hospital in Maplewood opened a 16-bed observation unit that provides flexible space for medical care, alleviates crowding and reduces patient wait times.

"As a nurse dedicated to providing the best possible care, it's incredibly gratifying to see our hospital's unwavering commitment to prioritizing patient well-being,” said Jennifer Meagher, nurse director at Woodwinds. “I hope others will join our collective efforts to ensure the well-being and comfort of every individual who walks through our doors."