Bluffton Hospital is now treating patients in its new Emergency Department. Those seeking care from the Emergency Department can enter through the ER entrance on the corner of Harmon and Kibler Streets.

The newly opened ER will allow Bluffton Hospital to care for an increasing number of patients with more private treatment areas than the previous ER space. It also features a more private registration area.

"We are proud to open this area to the public and continue to provide exceptional care to our community," said Bill Watkins, chief administrative officer of Bluffton Hospital.

Part of a $12 million expansion and renovation of Bluffton Hospital's Emergency Department, Surgery Department and physician office space, this is the first of the new construction to open for business.

$1 million of this expansion project was funded through donations from Bluffton Hospital associates, physicians and community members. The Isabelle West Family pledged the lead gift to the project in honor of Mrs. West and her late husband, Mr. James F. West, and their longstanding commitment to Bluffton Hospital and the community.