As the Emergency Department Grows, Patients Remember the Care That Never Changes

As demand for emergency care continues to grow, patients reflect on the physicians, nurses and caregivers who were there when they needed them most.

The need for emergency care in South Mississippi continues to grow, and Forrest General Hospital's Emergency Department is caring for more patients than ever before, reflecting the expanding healthcare needs of the region. Caring for more than 80,000 patients annually and recognized as one of the two busiest emergency departments in Mississippi, Forrest Health recently announced plans for a major Emergency Department expansion – an investment designed to improve access, enhance the patient experience, and support the healthcare needs of the region through expanded facilities, additional caregivers, and continued investment in the workforce.

While no one wants to find themselves in the Emergency Department, many remember the people who cared for them during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

For Tim Erdman of Weatherford, Texas, west of Fort Worth, a visit to family in Hattiesburg led to an unexpected trip to the Forrest General Emergency Department. Having previously suffered from pneumonia, he was convinced the symptoms he was experiencing were familiar.

After searching online for treatment options, he found the Emergency Department was the only place open at the time. Having had positive experiences with emergency care in the past, he asked his wife to drive him to Forrest General.

"When I walked into your ED, I couldn't walk a straight line," Tim said. "The lady behind the desk saw that and came out with a wheelchair for me. I sat down, handed over my insurance cards, and was called back before I had even finished the registration process. Less than five minutes after arriving, I was being seen. It was wonderful."

Tim said staff quickly gathered his medical history, performed lab work, started an IV, and completed imaging studies.

"They took good care of me," he said. "They were very thorough and methodical. They tried to alleviate my discomfort as quickly as they could."

Physicians confirmed he was suffering from pneumonia in the lower left lobe of his lung. During the visit, they also discussed lung nodules that had been identified on previous imaging studies and made sure he understood the importance of follow-up care.

Making sure patients are aware of lung nodules discovered during CT scans or other imaging studies is part of a new follow-up initiative implemented in February. While many lung nodules are benign, some can be an early indicator of serious health conditions, making timely follow-up critical.

For Tim, that extra level of attention stood out.

"They didn't just treat me and send me on my way," he said. "They wanted to make sure I knew what was going on and that I followed up. That meant a lot."

Before returning home, Tim left with a positive impression of the people who cared for him.

"Everyone was absolutely great," he said. "Forrest General has a great staff and facility. I'm thankful for the care they gave me."

Tim isn't alone.

Martha Abercrombie recognized staff for the outstanding care she received from the moment she walked through the doors.

"Once I got into a room, the doctor explained everything, answered my questions, arranged follow-up care and made sure I understood what to do next," she said. "Everyone really did an awesome job."

Like emergency departments across the country, wait times at Forrest General can vary depending on patient volumes and the severity of illnesses and injuries being treated. Patients with the most serious or life-threatening conditions are always treated first, ensuring those with the most urgent medical needs receive immediate attention. Regardless of how busy the department may be, Forrest Health remains committed to providing every patient with compassionate, high-quality care.

While each patient's experience is unique, a common theme emerges throughout their stories: compassionate caregivers, clear communication, and confidence in the care they received.

Behind every patient experience is a team of physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, and support staff committed to delivering high-quality emergency care around the clock.

Those are the qualities Forrest Health is building upon through its Emergency Department expansion and continued investment in its caregivers.

The expansion, which is already underway, will add 24 new patient care spaces and create a more efficient environment for both patients and caregivers. Plans include a new Emergency Department entrance, a larger waiting area, improved registration services, expanded triage with seven bays, new laboratory areas, and 12 private treatment spaces for patients with less acute conditions. These additions will allow patients with minor illnesses and injuries to be evaluated and treated more efficiently while preserving treatment rooms for patients requiring higher levels of care.

An additional 12 treatment rooms in the back portion of the Emergency Department will further increase capacity and help reduce wait times as demand continues to grow.

Construction will continue in phases during the next year to minimize disruption to patient care.

Supporting the expansion means investing in people as well as facilities. Forrest Health continues to recruit emergency medicine physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, and support staff to complement the expanded department and meet the growing demand for emergency services.

The health system also remains committed to investing in its current workforce through ongoing continuing education, clinical training, and competency assessments that help ensure patients receive safe, high-quality, evidence-based care.

Beginning this fall, the Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit will serve as Dedicated Education Units through a partnership with The University of Southern Mississippi. The program will pair experienced Forrest Health nurses with nursing students in an enhanced clinical learning environment, helping prepare the next generation of emergency and critical care nurses while strengthening the healthcare workforce across South Mississippi.

"This project is about meeting the needs of our growing region while continuing to provide the exceptional care our patients expect," said Kim Reddish, COO/CNO. "This expansion is much more than adding square footage. It's about ensuring our caregivers have the space, resources and support they need to provide exceptional care today while preparing for the needs of tomorrow. As we continue recruiting physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses and support staff, we are equally committed to ongoing education, clinical training and preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals. Together, those investments will ensure we're prepared to serve South Mississippi for years to come."

For patients like Tim Erdman and Martha Abercrombie, the Emergency Department is more than a building. It's the place where caregivers provided answers, reassurance and compassionate care when it mattered most.

As the Emergency Department grows, one thing remains unchanged: Forrest Health's commitment to ensuring every patient who walks through its doors receives expert, compassionate and high-quality care.

SIDEBAR

Emergency Department Expansion by the Numbers

• 80,000+ patients annually
• One of the two busiest emergency departments in Mississippi
• 24 new patient care spaces
  • 12 new low-acuity treatment spaces
  • 12 additional treatment rooms
• 7 triage bays
• New Emergency Department entrance
• Expanded waiting area
• Hotel-style registration
• Ongoing recruitment of physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses and support staff
• Dedicated Education Unit partnership with The University of Southern Mississippi beginning Fall 2026
• Serving 19 counties across South Mississippi