NORTHAMPTON — Only steps away from where ambulances will be bringing patients to Cooley Dickinson Hospital’s expanded Emergency Department are two dedicated resuscitation rooms.

“A godsend for everyone” is how Dr. Alberto Perez, the hospital’s chief of emergency medicine, describes those spaces, with the first room just 23 feet from the closest ambulance bay.

“We listened to staff and what the needs are for critical care,” said Sara Burgess, nurse director for the Emergency Department, while showing visitors the set up on Thursday afternoon.

Along with a CT scan embedded in the Emergency Department that means more timely access for diagnostic imaging, especially for those exhibiting stroke-like symptoms, the expanded space ensures care is provided to patients in privacy, rather than occasionally in the hallways, which Perez said is “suboptimal.”

The Emergency Department addition, a $26 million project, is adding 40% more space to a part of the hospital that has seen only limited renovations since the 1970s, when 17,000 patients a year were going there. Now, the Emergency Department is approaching 40,000 patients annually.

“We are working hard to give you timely, efficient and safe care,” Perez said, adding that hospital staff also benefits. “Having a new emergency program is only going to be a morale booster for everybody.”

Perez talked as part of a preview event of the space that is expected to be operational in July, with additional work in the existing department that will bring the project to a close by February 2026.

Close to 200 people from across the region, many who have offered financial support for the project, including a number of families who have long relied on the medical care provided there, were among those in attendance for both self-guided tours and brief remarks. They were joined by Smith College President Sarah Willie-LeBreton and Westfield State University President Linda Thompson, as well as representatives from Amherst College, area legislators who make up the region’s delegation in Boston and city leaders.

There was praise for what they saw as they went back out into the warm air, with one visitor remarking “nice and bright and clean.” During the celebration, guests were offered treats from Smithsonian Catering and the Ice Cream Emergency.

“This big addition is going to bring so much for our patients and our work environment for our team,” said Kevin Whitney, the hospital’s president and chief operating officer.

Whitney said the hospital wants to deliver quality care in the most efficient and safest way, continuing to raise the bar for the patients and for those who work in the space.

“We want Cooley Dickinson to be an employer of choice. We want to be the best place to practice and the best place to work,” Whitney said.

Whitney thanked those who have donated. “Because of your support, it makes Cooley the strong community hospital it is today,” Whitney said.

Molly Keegan, a trustee who has served as a campaign member for the Emergency Department, said that already $12.09 million has been raised, with a goal of hitting $13.5 million. Keegan said there is appreciation for those who understand the hospital’s place in the health and well being of those who live in the area, as well as to attract new businesses and workers.

Cooley Dickinson is a member of the Mass General Brigham hospital network and one of the largest employers in the county.

Standing outside the wall of windows at the main patient entrance, Diane Dukette, chief development officer, said the Emergency Department is appropriately described as the front door of the hospital.

“We could not do this without loyal community partners,” Dukette said. “Their giving has helped expand and renovate our community Emergency Department to ensure the most compassionate, highest quality care is available for every patient.”

The project, Dukette said, means removing what had been come a “rabbit warren,” with poor sight lines and navigational challenges for those working inside. But it also will help meet the demands of the region’s growing number of retirees. “Population and demographics and coming out COVID, needs have gone up,” Dukette said.

In total, the addition has nine new patient rooms, four mental health care beds and a family visiting area.

While not a trauma center, the hospital does treat 300 to 400 traumatic injuries per year, and more than 6,000 patients who need to be admitted for more care. A decontamination room also will allow for immediate washing of anyone covered with toxic substances.

The hope is the new addition will also build on the existing Level 3 geriatric service, which is important at a time where about one third of patients coming to the Emergency Department are 60 and over and have more complex needs. There is a larger behavioral health pod, too, added mental health more beds, and enhanced pediatric care.

The five ambulance bays have sufficient clearance, ensuring that no ambulances will get stuck while unloading patients.

Efficiency in caring for patients is what Dr. Sundeep “Sunny” Shukla, the hospital’s associate chief medical officer and an Emergency Department physician, said is at the core of the improvements.

 “We’re excited to see we’re almost there,” Shukla said. “The community has needed a new facility for emergency medical services, and this focuses on patient safety, patient satisfaction and quality.”

Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.