IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Development is entering its final stages at the new Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center North Idaho Falls ER, the region’s first free-standing ER. While the ER won’t officially open until early February, Local News 8 had the chance to take a sneak peek inside the facility.
“So the freestanding E.R. is an exciting kind of addition to the Idaho Falls community. It functions as an emergency department. Just like the the main campus does over at our EIRMC, we have the ability to take care of any emergency here,” ER Physician Dr. Brandon Bloxham said.
The idea to build the EIRMC extension was to accommodate the rapid growth of Idaho Falls.
“As everyone’s seen Idaho Falls is growing exponentially right now. And with that, we see an exponential growth in the E.R. visits. So having another facility to help with that is going to be great for the community and great for us as physicians to to be able to serve the community,” Bloxham said.
The extension will provide similar care to the main EIRMC campus, equipped with 11 private exam rooms, a lab, X-ray and CT imaging and more. If any services need to be provided at the main campus, the hospital will take care of the transition.
“EIRMC North Idaho Falls ER will provide high-quality emergency care for members of our community and region. We believe it will be a more convenient option for many people, saving significant travel time when seeking care,” Betsy Hunsicker, the CEO of EIRMC, said in a July press release. “Patients can expect the same level of superior care as if they came directly to the ER on EIRMC’s campus.”
EIRMC will host an open house for the public at the North Idaho Falls facility on Tuesday, January 27, from 10 AM to Noon.
This is a developing story. Local News 8 will provide continuous updates throughout the day.
