Denver Hospitals Brace for Increase in Patients

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The University of Colorado Hospital closes its doors and shuts off its lights Sunday June 17th.

In response, several Denver area hospitals look to expand their emergency departments.

Rose Medical Center is finishing construcion on an expanded emergency room to include a new waiting area and additional bays for ambulances. The staff there anticipates an addtional 20-25 patients a day.

"We have made a significant investment in our emergency area," said Isi McCarthy with Rose Medical Center

Denver Health and Presbyterian Saint Lukes plan on enlarging their emergency departments. Presbyterian Saint Lukes also has plans to add a children's hospital. This should deal with Children's Hospital also moving locations.

Medical professionals said University Hospital's move will be a burden, but one they are ready for.

"We have been working on this now for quite a while , we feel we are prepared to take care of these patients through the department renovations, equipment we have purchased and the staff we brought on board," said McCarthy.