NHRMC announces plans to expand emergency dept.

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — New Hanover Regional Medical Center announced Thursday its plan to double the size and renovate its 17^th Street emergency department.

A spokeswoman said the project will begin May 21, with the completion schedule for spring of 2017. During the project, emergency patients arriving by car will be directed to the new emergency entrance to the right of the hospital’s main front entrance.

Officials say the new design includes an overall space increase from more than 17,000 square feet to 48,000 square feet and an increase of patient care spaces from 54 to 108.

The total cost of the project, including construction, equipment, furniture and permitting, is $24.7 million. Officials say it’s the busiest emergency department in Southeastern North Carolina.