FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — A historic donation of $13 million will help St. Agnes not only expand and upgrade its current Emergency Department, but also improve overall patient care.<\/p>\n
“It will make an impact in several key areas, which include access to care and upgrading our facilities and equipment,” says Chief Development Officer Sara Frauenheim.<\/p>\n
Built in the early 2000s, the current emergency department is long and narrow and is built for up to 45,000 visits a year.<\/p>\n
The expansion would put the facility at over 40,000 square feet.<\/p>\n
“This new project is really about aligning the facilities with the work that’s done within the department,” Frauenheim said. “We will be moving to a new location. It will be utilizing some of our existing footprint and expanding our footprint as well.”<\/p>\n
In May, St. Agnes launched a fundraising campaign to help raise funds for the new facility.<\/p>\n
The $13.6 million donation from the King J. Richter Estate brings the hospital one step closer to reaching its goal.<\/p>\n
“It puts us at over 50%,” Frauenheim said. “Our goal is $20 million — we’re now over $10 million. We’ll be able to break ground in 2027. We’re really excited because this really solidifies our reputation in the community and the care we provide, and we’ll continue to propel us moving forward.”<\/p>\n
St. Agnes’ Emergency Department sees over 90,000 people each year. Frauenheim says the multi-million-dollar donation will help them meet the needs of the patient population.<\/p>\n
“We know that with a new emergency department, people will be coming to our hospital,” Frauenheim said. “We are ready to meet those needs in the new area that we’re building.”<\/p>\n
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