Mercy Medical Center Hospital-Based Emergency Department

Mercy Medical Center’s Emergency Department in Marion, Iowa, is enhancing community access to emergency care with its new 20,520-SF offsite hospital-based emergency department (ED). Historically, residents of Marion faced a 20-minute drive to the nearest ED. This facility now brings care services much closer, significantly reducing travel times and serving as a vital healthcare resource for the Marion community.

With the accommodating winter as well as the early and successful buyout/procurement with our in-house preconstruction team, we were able to accelerate the overall schedule for owner go-live to be moved up seven weeks.

The ED’s design embraces an on-stage/off-stage model, optimizing workflow by separating patient and staff circulation. A dedicated trauma corridor with a separate ambulance entry ensures rapid critical care access, while an on-site imaging suite enhances diagnostic efficiency. Natural light filters through frosted glass into exam rooms, and regionally inspired murals serve as both wayfinding elements and artistic enhancements which foster a calming and intuitive patient experience.

• 12 exam rooms
• 2 trauma rooms
• 2 CT scanners, x-ray and ultrasound machines
• On-site laboratory
• Helipad for quick transport of critical patients
• Ambulance canopy/entrance for emergency patient drop off, including lounge space for EMS staff