Methodist Richardson Medical Center will soon wrap up the first phase of a $46 million expansion effort aimed at increasing the capacity of its emergency department.

Marking the third major expansion to the hospital since it opened in 2014, Methodist Richardson broke ground on the project last August with the ultimate goal of increasing the number of beds in its emergency department from 26 to 43.

It will do so by constructing and renovating two new floors adjacent to the existing hospital, adding 25,000 square feet of space to the emergency department, including the 17 new beds. In addition, the hospital will move its existing pharmacy and laboratory services space from the first to the third floor, creating 80,000 square feet of new space for emergency use.

Phase 1 of the effort included the opening of 10 emergency room beds. Phase 2, which involves moving the pharmacy and lab space, is expected to happen in September.

Currently, Methodist Richardson serves close to 60,000 patients annually.