- Last Updated on Thursday, 28 November 2019 21:27
Officials of Highmark Health, Allegheny Health Network (AHN) and Jefferson Hospital joined elected officials, community leaders and hospital staff to officially cut the ribbon to the hospital’s new emergency department.
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| Jefferson Hospital New Emergency Department |
The $21-million, 34,000-square-foot emergency department expansion will significantly enhance Jefferson’s capacity to serve the more than 50,000 patients who seek emergency care at the hospital every year. It’s one of the busiest emergency departments serving the South Hills of Pittsburgh, Lower Mon Valley and surrounding areas.
The new Jefferson Emergency Department is being completed in two phases, with the second phase – renovation of current emergency department space – expected to be completed in May 2020.
Features of the new facility that will improve the care experience for patients include:
- An easy-to-access entrance with expansive façade and dedicated patient parking
- 44 private, state-of-the-art observation and treatment rooms designed to accommodate all ages, illnesses, and acute disease management
- A new patient registration process that will greatly reduce wait times to see clinicians
- A larger triage area with increased patient privacy and efficiency
- Seven care team stations, designed as ‘central’ nursing pods for more direct patient care
- An integrated imaging suite, with x-ray and CT technology, eliminating the need to transport patients to other areas of the hospital
- Designated behavioral health assessment and treatment rooms
- Specialized rooms for trauma/resuscitation
- Bariatric room with lift and specially-sized bed
- A comfortable, light-filled waiting room for patients and loved ones
The ED renovation also includes a relocation of the hospital’s helipad to the roof of the structure, allowing for more efficient patient transports to and from the hospital.
“This significant investment is another milestone in Jefferson’s legacy of excellence in medical care and in our commitment to meeting the ever-changing health needs of patients in our community,” said Louise Urban, president, Jefferson Hospital. “Through close collaboration with our talented and dedicated caregivers, local EMS and patients, we have designed a space that will help us deliver the highest quality service and experiences for those in need of emergency care.”
The new emergency department at Jefferson complements numerous investments that Highmark Health has made in the hospital over the last five years, including its new Cancer and Women and Infants Centers that opened in 2014 and more recently, a new $17.5 million surgical suite that features a vascular suite and state-of-the-art operating room suites for minimally invasive, robotic, and advanced surgical care in a number of specialties.
