EIRMC Behavioral Health Center Finishes Remodel

IDAHO FALLS, ID - As one of the major hubs of behavioral health services in eastern Idaho, it was one year ago that the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center's Behavioral Health Center (BHC) moved forward with a plan to upgrade the physical environment of their 74-bed inpatient facility.

To better meet the psychological needs of patients, families, staff, and the regional community, BHC embarked on a renovation project of the 50,000 square foot facility. BHC is pleased to announce that the majority of the work will be done before the end of this month and all beds will open by September 29th. With the completion of this project, all patient access areas will have undergone a total remodel, including new flooring, furniture, wall colors, and lighting, as well as the addition of several key safety improvements.

Additional improvements have included an increase in staffing levels and the addition of new providers that greatly enhance the safety of and attention patients receive. The overarching goals have been to create a more compassionate and safe environment that delivers excellence in behavioral healthcare.

Concurrently, there is now a focus on more "trauma-informed" care with the patients--a treatment approach that emphases more empathy for the patient's experience and the distress they have experienced in life.

The anticipation of BHC's regional stakeholders has been peaking as the renovation makeover of the facility nears completion. Over the past year, the renovations meant a decrease in bed capacity which has adversely affected access to care in Eastern Idaho. When completed, BHC will return to a total of 74 beds consisting of 28 adult beds (for ages 18+), 17 adolescent beds (for ages 13-17), and 29 residential adolescent beds (for ages 13-17).

In 2013, BHC provided care to 1,191 individuals, and in 2014 to 1,319 individuals. While renovations limited availability of care throughout most of 2015, it is anticipated that treatment will quickly rebound.

There is significant scientific evidence in healthcare that positive patient outcomes are linked to the milieu of care they receive. This has fueled an increasing focus across the national healthcare industry to improve patient experience through more patient-centered care and creating more therapeutic physical environments.

In light of the project completion, BHC is inviting the public to come visit the facility and celebrate the re-opening of all beds for service to the community.