Cheyenne VA Hospital Breaks Ground on $Multi-Million Emergency department Expansion
Table of Contents
- 1. Cheyenne VA Hospital Breaks Ground on $Multi-Million Emergency department Expansion
- 2. Addressing the Needs of a growing Veteran Community
- 3. What the Expansion Entails
- 4. Navigating Construction: What Veterans Need to Know
- 5. The growing Demand for Veteran Healthcare
- 6. Frequently Asked Questions About the Cheyenne VA Expansion
- 7. What specific improvements are being made to address mental health crises within the Cheyenne VA Emergency Department expansion?
- 8. Cheyenne VA Health Care System Commences Expansion of Emergency Department to Enhance Veteran Care services
- 9. Addressing the Growing Needs of Veterans in Wyoming & Surrounding Areas
- 10. Project scope & key Improvements
- 11. Benefits for Veterans Receiving Emergency care
- 12. Addressing Veteran-Specific Healthcare Needs
- 13. Construction Timeline & Minimizing disruption
- 14. Accessing Emergency Care at the Cheyenne VA
Cheyenne, Wyoming – August 21, 2024 – Construction has commenced on a major expansion of the Cheyenne VA Health Care System’s emergency department, promising upgraded facilities and enhanced care for the area’s veteran population.The groundbreaking ceremony took place on August 15, signaling a commitment to modernizing healthcare services for those who served.
Addressing the Needs of a growing Veteran Community
The project will increase the size of the existing emergency department from 3,000 square feet to 7,500 square feet – a 150% increase. This expansion is designed to align the facility with current building codes and, more importantly, improve the quality and efficiency of care provided to the more than 30,000 enrolled veterans in southeastern Wyoming, northeastern Colorado, and southwestern Nebraska. The project is expected to be completed by 2027.
What the Expansion Entails
Mary (Shannon) Newell, the Cheyenne VA acting executive director, emphasized that the modernized department will feature state-of-the-art equipment and a more patient-centric environment. The construction involves a third-floor addition on the north side of the building,alongside selective demolition and alterations to the existing structure. Despite the construction, the Cheyenne VA will maintain 24/7 emergency services without interruption.
The enhancements include new treatment bays, upgraded trauma care areas, and advanced diagnostic equipment. The renovation aims to improve patient flow, enhance privacy, and reduce wait times – critical factors in emergency healthcare delivery.
| Feature | Old Size | New Size | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Department Area | 3,000 sq ft | 7,500 sq ft | +150% |
| Projected completion | N/A | 2027 | Ongoing |
| Veterans Served | 30,000+ | 30,000+ | No Change |
Did you know that the Cheyenne VA Health Care System employs approximately 1,300 people across seven locations, with nearly one-third of its staff being veterans themselves?
During the construction period, veterans and visitors should anticipate changes to parking arrangements and potential delays.The VA is actively working to mitigate these inconveniences by adding new parking spaces.Veterans are encouraged to arrive early for scheduled appointments to allow ample time for parking and check-in.
Pro Tip: Check the Cheyenne VA Health Care System’s website or call ahead to confirm parking availability and potential access routes before your appointment.
The Cheyenne VA Health Care System’s dedication to providing “world-class health care for wyoming’s Veterans” underscores this significant investment in its emergency services. The updated facility will undoubtedly strengthen the VA’s ability to respond to the evolving healthcare needs of the veteran community.
The growing Demand for Veteran Healthcare
According to data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the veteran population is aging, leading to an increased demand for healthcare services. A 2023 report by the National Center for Health Statistics indicated that veterans are more likely to experience chronic health conditions, necessitating specialized and accessible care. This expansion reflects a broader national trend of investing in veteran healthcare infrastructure to meet these growing needs. CDC
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cheyenne VA Expansion
What are your thoughts on the improvements being made to veteran healthcare facilities? How do you think these changes will impact the veteran community?
What specific improvements are being made to address mental health crises within the Cheyenne VA Emergency Department expansion?
Cheyenne VA Health Care System Commences Expansion of Emergency Department to Enhance Veteran Care services
Addressing the Growing Needs of Veterans in Wyoming & Surrounding Areas
The Cheyenne VA Health Care System has begun a significant expansion of its Emergency Department (ED), a project designed to dramatically improve access to and the quality of emergency medical care for veterans across Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, and South Dakota. This expansion addresses increasing patient volumes and aims to provide a more efficient and comfortable surroundings for those seeking urgent medical attention. The project represents a substantial investment in veteran healthcare infrastructure and reflects the VA’s commitment to serving those who have served our nation.
Project scope & key Improvements
The expansion encompasses a multi-phase plan, with the initial phase already underway as of august 22, 2025. Key improvements include:
increased Treatment Bays: Adding 10 new treatment bays, bringing the total to 25, to reduce wait times and improve patient flow. This directly addresses concerns about ED overcrowding,a common issue in many VA facilities.
Dedicated Behavioral Health space: A newly constructed, dedicated space for veterans experiencing mental health crises.This will provide a calmer, more supportive environment for these patients and allow for specialized care. This is crucial given the higher rates of PTSD and other mental health conditions among the veteran population.
Enhanced Triage Area: A redesigned triage area to facilitate faster and more accurate assessment of patient needs upon arrival. Improved triage leads to quicker prioritization of care and possibly life-saving interventions.
Modernized Technology: Integration of advanced medical technology, including updated imaging equipment and electronic health record (EHR) systems, to support faster diagnosis and treatment. This includes upgrades to radiology and laboratory services directly supporting the ED.
Expanded Waiting Area: A larger, more comfortable waiting area with improved amenities for patients and their families. Recognizing the stress of emergency situations, the VA is prioritizing a more welcoming and supportive atmosphere.
Benefits for Veterans Receiving Emergency care
The expansion of the Cheyenne VA Emergency Department translates into tangible benefits for veterans:
Reduced Wait Times: Increased capacity and streamlined processes will significantly reduce the time veterans spend waiting for care in the ED.
improved Quality of Care: Modernized technology and dedicated spaces for specialized care will enhance the quality of medical services provided.
Enhanced Patient Experiance: A more comfortable and supportive environment will contribute to a better overall patient experience.
Greater Access to Specialized Services: The dedicated behavioral health space ensures veterans in crisis receive the specialized attention they deserve.
Regional Impact: The Cheyenne VA serves a large geographic area, and this expansion will improve access to emergency care for veterans who may otherwise have to travel long distances.
Addressing Veteran-Specific Healthcare Needs
The Cheyenne VA Health Care System is uniquely positioned to address the specific healthcare needs of veterans. The ED expansion is designed with these needs in mind:
Trauma-Informed Care: Staff are trained in trauma-informed care principles to recognize and respond to the unique experiences of veterans.
Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Support: Dedicated resources and support services are available for veterans who have experienced MST.
Agent Orange & Other Exposure Concerns: The ED is equipped to address health concerns related to agent Orange exposure and other environmental hazards experienced during military service.
Polytrauma Care: The facility provides comprehensive care for veterans with multiple traumatic injuries.
Construction Timeline & Minimizing disruption
The Cheyenne VA is committed to minimizing disruption to patient care during the construction process. The project is being phased to allow the ED to remain open and operational throughout the expansion.
Phase 1 (August – December 2025): Focuses on the construction of the new treatment bays and behavioral health space.
Phase 2 (January – May 2026): Includes the redesign of the triage area and upgrades to technology infrastructure.
Phase 3 (June – August 2026): Completion of the expanded waiting area and final touches.
Regular updates on the project’s progress will be available on the Cheyenne VA Health Care System website and through local media outlets. Patients are encouraged to check for any temporary changes to ED access points during construction.
Accessing Emergency Care at the Cheyenne VA
Veterans requiring emergency medical care can access the Cheyenne VA Emergency Department 24/7.
Address: 2300 east 18th Street, Cheyenne, WY 82001
Phone: (307) 772-3400
Website: [InsertOfficialCheyenneVAWebsiteLinkHere-[InsertOfficialCheyenneVAWebsiteLinkHere-Crucial to add actual link]
In life-threatening emergencies, veterans should always call 911. The cheyenne VA Emergency Department is a vital resource for veterans in the region, and this expansion will ensure it can continue to provide high-quality, timely care for years to come.
