Martha Jefferson Hospital's new, 24/7 emergency care center is opened its doors this week in Albemarle County and folks got a chance to get a sneak peek on Saturday.
The center, located off Proffit Road in Albemarle, was initially built in the 1990s. The Outpatient Care Center of Martha Jefferson Hospital had doctors offices and outpatient X-rays, but now they've added a 24/7 emergency department.
It's strategically located to bring emergency service closer to growing parts of central Virginia, including northern Albemarle, Greene County, Madison County, and Orange County.
On Saturday, people across Central Virginia were eager to get a glimpse of the new Outpatient Care Center at the hospital's open house. Crowds excitedly shuffled in and out of the updated facility. People who work at the hospital said Emergency Medical Services (EMS) crews won't have to drive into Charlottesville anymore.
Janet Silvester, the director of pharmacy and emergency services said, "It'll take more than an hour off of their turnaround time, compared to going all the way into the city."
The center also includes diagnostic imaging and laboratory services on site. People at Martha Jefferson said this open house marks a new beginning and brings emergency service closer to home.
The new 24/7 emergency care center officially opened Wednesday, September 19.
