Patients are encouraged to follow signage outside of Riverside Medical Center during the remodel

Beginning October 20, 2021, patients and visitors needing access to the Riverside Emergency Department will need to use the B Entrance (North Entrance) of the hospital to enter the emergency department.

Those approaching the hospital from the south on Wall Street should use the last entrance on the east side of the street. Patients approaching the hospital from the north need to use the first entrance on the east side of the street,

The middle entrance on the east side of Wall Street is for ambulance use only and cannot be used for patient drop-off or visitors entering the emergency department.

Upon entering the hospital through the B Entrance (North Entrance), patients and visitors need to follow the signage guiding them to the emergency patient check-in. Check-in is required for patients and visitors before entering the emergency department waiting room.

The remodel project aims to enhance patient safety and experience in the emergency department. The new emergency department will expand the use of negative pressure to prevent airborne diseases from escaping the space of the infected patient. More rapid treatment spaces to lower patient wait times will also be included. Safety of emergency patients with behavioral health concerns is critical, and the new layout will include rooms that can convert to behavioral health safe spaces to provide a secure environment.

“The project is expected to last 16 months. Over the course of the remodeling, there will be alternate access points, but the emergency department will remain open to serve the community with the excellent care our emergency department has always provided, and cause as little disruption to patient flow as possible,” Kambic said.

The emergency department will remain open 24-hours, seven days a week, throughout construction.

Parking

Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., patients and visitors are highly encouraged to use Riverside's free valet parking service outside of the B Entrance (North Entrance) doors. Valet parking is not available Saturday and Sunday. There will be limited reserved emergency department drop-off spots in the North Parking Garage, along with several reserved parking spots adjacent to the North Parking Lot in front of the building.

During evening hours - 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. - valet parking will not be available. Patients and visitors will need to utilize the reserved emergency patient parking spaces in the North Parking Garage and North Parking Lot.

Throughout construction, there will be clear signage outside of Riverside Medical Center and upon entering the hospital to guide patients and visitors to where they need to go. Patients should contact the Riverside Emergency Department directly at (815) 935-7500 with any questions regarding access.