PAOLI — Paoli Hospital will expand its emergency department, thanks to more than $2 million of pandemic relief American Rescue Funding grants,

Eight new treatment rooms will be added to the existing 28-room emergency department.

Compared to pre-pandemic numbers, and following the recent closure of fellow Chester County hospitals at Jennersville and Brandywine, Paoli Hospital has experienced a 16 percent increase in emergency room volumes. The inpatient census is up 28 percent and the hospital routinely hits 100 percent capacity levels.

Paoli Hospital is part of Main Line Health and hospital President Jim Paradis said at a Friday afternoon outdoor press conference attended by hospital staff, dignitaries and public officials  that the hospital had been feeling financial pressures without an increase in revenue.

State Sen. Carolyn Comitta, D-19th  of West Chester, represents half of Chester County and helped secure $1 million in grants for the project.

Comitta said that the hospital offers a plethora of health and wellness programs.

“Doctors, nurses, volunteers and staff all worked tirelessly to keep us healthy, to protect health and save lives–safely, effectively, efficiently and with compassion,” Comitta said.

State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-157th of Schuylkill, talked about a September family visit to the hospital.

She said Paoli Hospital staff exhibited “incredible energy and were calm, warm, supportive and comforting.

“We felt so loved and part of this community,” Shusterman said.

Shusterman helped secure $1.08 million for the expansion that she said will keep patients out of converted waiting rooms, supply closets, hallways and corridors.

U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-6th of Easttown, talked about the role of the hospital and its ability to adapt. She said that everyone worked with a “collaborative relationship and kindness.”

Comitta agreed.

“This has truly been a team effort,” she said. “We appreciate everyone working together.”