East Central Reporter

A two-year renovation of Horizon Health’s Emergency Department has been completed, introducing new features such as a pediatric space with a mural by Terre Haute artist Emily Bennett. The project was designed to improve patient care, safety, and capacity.

Jay Carmichael, president and CEO of Horizon Health, stated, “This is what localized healthcare is all about – demonstrating what can happen when an organization is united under a common vision. We are extremely grateful to our employees, the hospital board of directors, the foundation board of directors, and the generous donors who made this a reality.”

The renovation was a collaborative effort among ER leadership, nursing staff, nurse practitioners, and physicians. It received significant financial support from the Horizon Health Foundation Board of Directors through a $4 million donation that also contributed to improvements at Paris Clinic.

Randi Bohannon, Foundation Executive Director, said: “This donation is a testament to the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to investing in healthcare improvements and ensuring that Horizon Health remains a leading provider of medical services in the area.”

The Emergency Department is staffed by board-certified emergency physicians. During peak hours from 10 am to 10 pm, nurse practitioners assist physicians—a process introduced in 2024—to help reduce wait times and improve satisfaction for both patients and staff.

Horizon Health’s ER has achieved national recognition for its emergency care. It ranks in the top 10th percentile nationwide for stroke and sepsis care. Wait times are below national averages and patient experience scores surpass national benchmarks.

Rachel Kelley, chief nursing officer and vice president of nursing services at Horizon Health said: “Our new state-of-the-art ER reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional, evidence-based care to every patient — every time. We take great pride in our team’s dedication, skill, and compassion — the very qualities that define us.”

The renovation added three exam rooms—bringing the total number to 13—to better accommodate complex cases requiring longer stays. Other upgrades include improved flow within the department and enhanced comfort for patients.

Samantha McCarty, director of emergency services at Horizon Health commented: “The renovations were essential to continue delivering high-quality care close to home. We’ve grown our physical space, upgraded technology, and expanded staffing to better meet the growing healthcare needs of our communities.”

Horizon Health is one of only 158 sites nationwide recognized with the American Heart Association’s 2025 Commitment to Quality Award for cardiovascular and stroke care. The hospital has also received the Women’s Choice Award for excellence in emergency care.

“We are meeting and exceeding our goals in many areas and continue to be a local leader in all quality metrics,” Samantha said. “The ER renovation will help us maintain our high level of efficiency while meeting the ever-changing healthcare needs of our patients.”