EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital adds three new emergency observation beds

Patients in Chambers County now have expanded access to local emergency care with the addition of three observation beds within the Emergency Department at EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital.

The new beds, which opened Saturday, Aug. 1, provide dedicated space for patients who may benefit from further observation or treatment without inpatient hospital admission or transfer to another facility. In addition, the observation beds keep the department’s standard emergency care beds available for patients needing urgent treatment.

“Ensuring continued access to expert, local emergency care is a priority for us,” Greg Nichols, chief facilities officer at East Alabama Health and administrator of EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital, said. “These beds are a great resource for the community, giving patients expanded access to treatment and short-term observation close to home.”

Intended for patients who need additional monitoring, testing or treatment before a discharge decision is made, the observation beds allow the clinical team to continue care in a dedicated space within the Emergency Department. 

This may include patients receiving IV fluids or medication, awaiting test results or needing short-term monitoring to determine whether they can safely return home or require transfer for a higher level of care. 

The Emergency Department at EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital sees nearly 13,500 patients annually. In addition to emergency care, the facility also offers diagnostic imaging, outpatient rehabilitation and laboratory services.

About East Alabama Health

East Alabama Health encompasses East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital in Valley, East Alabama Medical Center North in Opelika, the Spencer Cancer Center in Opelika, the Auburn Medical Pavilion and a host of other key medical clinics and practices that help provide a continuum of care to patients throughout an 11-county area. EAMC is a 316-bed regional referral hospital. EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital provides emergency and outpatient services while its campus also features a nursing home and an ambulatory surgery center. East Alabama Health employs about 4,100 people and is the second largest employer in the region, trailing only Auburn University.