• Emergency Department Renovation Begins in April at Mayo Clinic’s Saint Marys Campus

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Construction is starting on a major renovation and expansion of the Emergency Department (ED) on Mayo Clinic's Saint Marys campus.

Outside work will begin in early April, and the project is expected to be completed in April 2015. Construction will be done in phases to minimize disruption for patients, staff and the community.

"We are committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered emergency care to our community," says Eric Boie, M.D., chair, ED Renovation. "The updated facility will improve patient privacy, decrease wait times and offer innovative technology to maintain our national leadership in emergency care."

The Emergency Department provides care to about 200 patients per day — about 73,000 patients annually, primarily from Olmsted County and the six neighboring counties in southeastern Minnesota. The expansion will add 22,000 square feet to the existing ED. When completed, the ED will encompass 55,000 square feet and be equipped to handle 90,000 patient visits annually.

The renovated ED will include:

  • 70 private patient rooms equipped with standardized, multipurpose equipment to accommodate patients with any type of emergency health need
  • Child-friendly pediatric care area
  • Dedicated areas for resuscitation, behavioral health and observation
  • New ambulance garage
  • More accessible walk-in entrance
  • New patient waiting area
  • Enhanced disaster and surge (patient volumes) capabilities

All emergency-based services will be provided during construction. Patients arriving at the Emergency Department are encouraged to watch the construction signs posted to help guide them to the closest entrance and to convenient parking.

For updates on construction and any changes in public access, please check online.