Bozeman Deaconess Hospital is preparing to open the second portion of its new emergency department.

The $15 million project includes a new triage area with seven updated examination rooms and a new waiting room.

Hospital representatives said the new space will allow them to accommodate more patients.

NBC Montana spoke with the Executive Vice President of Philanthropy, Debra Gill, who told us there was a need for the newly expanded emergency room.

"We knew that we needed to increase and that has proven very true with the addition. We're already treating more patients, even what our addition is able to accommodate. Having phase two open this month and adding several more rooms to the project, we are confident we will provide the care people need in our valley."

The new Emergency Center will be open to the public January 9 from 4 to 6 p.m.