Essentia Health-Fargo celebrates operating room expansion

Essentia Health-Fargo is proud to announce the expansion of its surgical wing with the addition of two new state-of-the-art operating room (OR) spaces. This $4.5 million project — which includes the renovation of two additional spaces — will help Essentia keep up with increasing demand and continue providing high-quality care to our patients. A ribbon cutting was held earlier on Monday in celebration of this expansion.

As the greater Fargo-Moorhead area continues to grow, so does the demand for surgical services. Essentia has seen a 20% increase in surgical volume across specialties over the past five years, with cardiovascular services experiencing an increase of over 50%.

"We've been on a master facility-planning journey, and this expansion is the next step to better serve our community," said Dr. Stefanie Gefroh, Essentia's West Market president and a practicing OB-GYN. "We've been preparing for this growth, and these new OR spaces will allow us to provide more efficient, innovative and patient-centered care."

The new ORs are larger in size, adding a combined 1,367 square feet, and will allow for the use of innovative procedures and the latest in technology like robotics. The design of the new ORs, which places needed staff and supplies all in one space, minimizes unnecessary movement in and out of the rooms, reducing traffic, surgery time and infection risks.

"These advancements allow us to schedule more surgeries and ultimately reduce wait times for our patients," explained Dr. Zach Ernst, general surgeon and chief of surgery at Essentia Health-Fargo. "These spaces are about improving patient safety and the health outcomes of our patients."

Dr. Charles Canver, cardiothoracic surgeon and chair of cardiothoracic surgery at Essentia Health-Fargo, will perform the first procedure in one of the new ORs on Tuesday.

"I’m excited for the energy of the space; it feels like an arena when you walk in," explained Dr Canver. "I can see it in the eyes of our staff members, they’re inspired. It’s rare to have operating rooms of this caliber, and our entire team is excited to be part of this and to see it become a reality.

"These spaces are a community asset and will serve many patients for years to come."

This project was made possible through support from the Essentia Health-Fargo Foundation and donors.

"We are excited about what this growth means for our community and patients," said Dr. Gefroh. "We know demand is going to continue to increase, and we are proud to be able to meet it and continue providing exceptional care to our patients."