Story and Video courtesy of KYMA News 11

Yuma Regional Medical Center plans to have several projects completed within the next three years, including a new Cancer Center, Emergency Department and parking structure.

In July, five new construction projects will begin, and patients visiting the hospital will immediately notice changes.

Starting Monday, July 1, several parking areas will be fenced off to make room for construction, and all patients will have to park in lot “G.”

To avoid confusion, hospital volunteers will help navigate patients.

Just look for parking attendants driving golf carts with a yellow “shuttle” sign.

During this time, patients should make sure to give themselves extra time to get to their appointments.

Over the next months, visitors will also see some buildings demolished to make way for new ones.

YRMC is investing more than $1.5 million over the next five years for capital improvement projects.

Every year, money is set aside to pay for long-term projects, such as a new Emergency Department that will double in size, according to hospital officials.

“It’s a pretty significant change for them. It will actually be a total of 72 bays or beds that we serve in that area. And there are only a little over 30 right now,” said Machele Headington, vice president of communications and marketing for YRMC.

Hospital officials expect these changes will help better serve patients.

“If you’re lost, feel free to ask. We’re adding more people and more layers to help you do that. If you need to, call ahead and we’ll give you extra directions also,” Headington added.

The hospital is looking for volunteers to help shuttle patients from the parking lot.

For information on how to volunteer and for construction updates, visit www.yumaregional.org.