A new, upgraded emergency room at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee is ready for occupancy. Pending a final approval, the facility is expected to open next week (June 8). Riverside CEO Phil Kambic said the ER renovation has been coming for a long time.

“It’s the first such upgrade in 35 years,” Kambic told visitors (Tuesday). “We offer a state-of-the-art facility … with a great staff.”

Patients will notice private rooms, 13 rooms in the main ER and eight more in what’s labeled the rapid-treatment area.

Remodeled rooms include a special-setup for victims of sexual assault. Phase one of the remodel project is looking at an opening date of June 8. Phase 2 gets underway soon. The cost of the ER remodel is listed as a $14-million dollar investment.

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