Newport Hospital in Newport, R.I., , a member of the Lifespan health system, has started construction work on a $12.5 million renovation and expansion project for the emergency department.

Designed by E4H Environments for Health Architecture, the five-phase project is slated for completion in September 2019.

Once complete, the 21,000-square-foot renovated ED will provide 29 total treatment areas with support space, including a Rapid Treatment area consisting of six exam rooms, a Clinical Decision Unit consisting of four 23-hour stay rooms, and a behavioral health pod with four treatment rooms. The new ED will also offer three triage spaces.

Other highlights of the project include a lounge and waiting area, dedicated workstations, expanded staff lounge and staff conference room, upgraded finishes at administrative support areas, and energy-efficient and high-performance LED lighting.

Through an Integrated Project Delivery approach the collaborating project team includes Suffolk Construction (general contractor) and BR+A Engineers (engineering consultant).