Parking and traffic changes are in store next week (July 12) at Bluffton Hospital while care inside the hospital continues with the same level the community has come to expect.

The temporary Emergency entrance will open July 14. There will be a new drop off and ambulance pull up area along Harmon Road to access this entrance - watch for the red and white signs.

After using the Emergency drop off, parking is available along Garau Street or on the corner of Garau and Harmon Road.

Associates and medical staff will begin parking in the lot on the corner of Kibler and Harmon to allow parking on Garau and in the new lot to be for patients and visitors.

Block and concrete walls will continue rising higher as the construction of new operating rooms moves forwardIt may be necessary to block some on street parking to allow construction materials to be delivered and installed.

Contractors will begin removing the drive-up entrance and canopy at the traditional Emergency entranceDeliveries and parking in this area will be eliminated to allow for the construction of the new Emergency Department.

Ninty percent of the Bluffton Hospital construction contract ($7 million) is being completed by contractors, subcontractors and suppliers within a 25 mile radius of Bluffton.