Uniting community support to elevate the emergency department
The Howard R. Gudelsky Emergency Department serves as the front door to MedStar Montgomery Medical Center, delivering vital care to more than 100 patients each day. As medical advancements and community demographics continue to evolve, the time has come to modernize and renovate our emergency department (ED). Our multi-phase renovation will create a state-of-the-art facility that enhances patient care and safety, ensuring we are prepared to meet the needs of our community.
Why this project matters
The ED is where we first meet our patients at their most vulnerable moments. It's the place where quick decisions, expert care, and compassion come together to make a difference in their lives. Though our team consistently delivers high-quality, heartfelt care, the surroundings no longer support the healing environment our patients deserve. Patient rooms are outdated and fall short of creating the warm, comforting environment we want for our patients.
This renovation provides the opportunity to transform our ED into a flexible, adaptable space that can meet the diverse needs of our community. Whether caring for children, seniors, individuals in mental health crises, or those with more urgent medical conditions, our treatment rooms will be designed to accommodate every patient’s needs.
By creating spaces that can be customized for all types of patients, we will always be prepared to offer the best possible care, no matter who walks through our doors. Our vision is to create a modern ED that reflects the highest standards of care, ready to respond to the needs of today and tomorrow with efficiency and compassion.
What we're doing
Our renovation project is a collaborative effort involving hospital staff, industry experts, and community members. Together, we are designing a space that will serve our community for the next generation. Key features of the new ED will include:
- Redesigning the layout: Maximizing space, flow, and visibility within the existing footprint to improve efficiency and enhance staff-patient interactions.
- Adaptable treatment rooms: Flexible spaces that cater to pediatric, geriatric, mental health, and general adult patients.
- Enhanced workstations: Upgraded nursing, physician, and registration workstations for improved efficiency.
- Welcoming waiting area: A refreshed waiting area designed to provide comfort for patients and their families.
Meeting specialized needs
In our commitment to serve all patients effectively, we are implementing targeted enhancements for specific populations:
- Geriatric patients: As part of our commitment to being an age-friendly hospital, we are designing treatment rooms specifically for elderly patients. These rooms will promote individualized care in a calming environment, aligning with national guidelines to enhance comfort, safety, mobility, and cognitive support. Additionally, these renovations will help us obtain Geriatric Emergency Department accreditation, further ensuring that we meet the specialized needs of our senior community.
- Behavioral health patients: The renovation will introduce a new Crisis Evaluation Unit with enhanced visibility for staff, secure patient rooms, and an improved layout. This area will replace our current communal treatment area with private treatment rooms to better serve the increasing number of emergency patients facing mental health and substance abuse crises.
- Pediatric patients: Our new pediatric-friendly treatment rooms will be designed with the unique needs of young patients in mind, creating a comforting and engaging environment.
How we'll get there
This project is the result of extensive collaboration among clinical, operational, and design teams. Their collective expertise ensures that the renovation addresses both clinical needs and the priorities of patient-centered care. The total cost of the renovation is estimated at $15 million, with over one-third of the funding already secured through MedStar Health investment, state grant funding, and early philanthropic gifts.
To bring the full vision to life, we need additional philanthropic support. Your gift will help close the gap and enable us to complete this important project. The renovation will be completed in phases, allowing the ED to remain operational throughout construction. Securing full funding now will help us avoid delays and maximize the impact of the improvements.
Join us in building the future
We have launched our campaign to renovate the Howard R. Gudelsky Emergency Department and are deeply grateful for those who have stepped forward to support this vital initiative.
Your gift is a commitment to transforming emergency care for every patient who walks through our doors. Together, we can transform the Howard R. Gudelsky Emergency Department into a state-of-the-art facility that will serve our community for years to come.
A message from Shelly Mulitz, champion for family-centered care
Shelley Mulitz, a long-time supporter of the emergency department and wife of the late Howard R. Gudelsky, for whom our emergency department is named, emphasizes the importance of family-centered care and the joy of contributing to an exceptional emergency department experience. Her commitment reminds us all of the profound impact this project will have on our community.
Make a gift today
To learn more, connect to our philanthropy team by contacting Jennifer Smith at 301-774-8804 or jennifer.t.smith@medstar.net.