The Western Connecticut Health Network is planning to spend nearly $11 million to renovate and expand the New Milford Hospital emergency department.

The new emergency space, slated for completion in 2014, would essentially double the existing emergency unit and would be built into the neighboring hillside in "a park-like setting" to double its size to include private rooms, an environmentally-friendly design and a rooftop garden, according to a company statement.

Among the 15 new treatment rooms, new specialty rooms include a dedicated pediatric treatment room to offer children and their families a more supportive environment. Additional private patient care rooms will include two critical care rooms, a surgical room, an OB-GYN room, a larger, more efficient triage room and a central nursing station for direct oversight and coordination of care. All patient rooms will be private, single rooms.

When finished, the emergency department will be accessed by car from Elm Street, a much safer alternative than trying to navigate the busy intersection at Elm Street and Route 202, according to the company’s statement.