Victor Valley Global Medical Center expanding emergency services department

Assemblyman Thurston “Smitty” Smith presents a plaque to KPC Health executives during the groundbreaking of a new emergency department at Victor Valley Global Medical Center in Victorville.

Victor Valley Global Medical Center is expanding its emergency services department at the campus on Eleventh Street in Victorville. 

Local dignitaries joined KPC Health executives at VVGMC to break ground on phase one of a multi-phase project that is expected to better serve some estimated 40,000 annual emergency room patients.

KPC Health CEO Peter Baronoff welcomed visitors, including physicians, staff and KPC Group founder and Chairman Dr. Kali Chaudhuri during the event on Oct. 25.

The doctor told those in attendance that VVGMC is expanding even as newspapers announce daily the closure of hospitals.

“I don’t want to talk big; I want to talk practical,” said Chaudhuri, who explained that improving the aging and small ER was a priority, despite the current financial crisis.

Baronoff also welcomed Victorville Mayor Debra Jones; Victor Valley College Board Trustee Joseph W. Brady; and representatives of State Sen. Scott Wilk and 1st District Supervisor Paul Cook.

Victor Valley Medical Center CEO Marilyn Drone addresses the audience before the groundbreaking of the center’s emergency services department at the campus on Eleventh Street in Victorville.

The project
Phase one of the project includes renovating the existing facility’s emergency space by adding about 6,800 square feet, with room for 16 more beds.

An expanded waiting room will double in size to accommodate 40 visitors and a newly designed entrance will allow for better access, flow and patient experience.

A new and expanded reception/receiving station will be added, along with new admitting booths and a state-of-the-art CT scanner and control room.

Phase one is expected to be completed by the fall of 2023.

A proposed phase two includes adding 5,200 square feet, with room for 12 more beds, as well as the construction of a rotunda area in building No. 4 and a new entrance to accommodate nine ambulances.

Phase two’s estimated completion date is Nov. 2024.

VVGMC CEO Marilyn Drone shared the need for expanding the medical center’s services and how the hospital desires to take the lead as the High Desert continues to grow.

During the event, Drone and KPC executives repeatedly thanked the physicians and medical staff for their dedication to serving the community, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

KPC officials said the medical center played a key role during the pandemic, with medical personnel working tirelessly to serve many patients.

“The last several years have been tough for everyone in very many ways,” Drone said. “Victor Valley Global Medical Center, it was tough as with other hospitals. But the dedication and perseverance of the staff, the physicians and the community is what pulled it all together and got everyone through to take care of our patients.”

Drone thanked dozens of individual and organization partners who supported VVGMC during the pandemic. Some included Cal Fire, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Victor Valley College God’s Hand Extended and the Home Depot.

Officials also offered a moment of silence to recognize key members of the medical staff family and others who died during the pandemic.