More than 65 people attended the official groundbreaking ceremony for the new Emergency Department at Citrus Valley Medical Center's Inter-Community Campus in Covina. The April 1 event featured presentations by Covina Mayor Peggy Delach, Covina Chamber of Commerce President Dawn Nelson and the office of Senator Ed Hernandez.

"We are proud to make this commitment to our community that Inter-Community will not only continue to provide emergency care, but it will also expand its capability to do so, ensuring that the need for critical medical services is met for years to come CVHP President & CEO Rob Curry told the audience.

Construction is scheduled to begin by summer 2014. During this time, the emergency entrance on College Street will be temporarily relocated to Fourth Street, across from Covina Park.

While the new ED is constructed, the hospital will continue to provide around-the-clock emergency services in its temporary location. And complimentary valet parking will be offered to all ED visitors.

Once completed, the new ED will nearly double the capacity of Inter-Community's current 12-bed department. New patient treatment stations and the newest technology will enable medical, nursing and support professionals to provide improved urgent care and other diagnostic care and treatment to more than 40,000 patients each year. Construction is expected to be completed in 2015.