Unity Hospital opens new expanded ER
FRIDLEY, Minn. 09/10/2008--Unity Hospital cut the ribbon on a new emergency department today. With 39 private rooms, it's now one of the largest emergency departments in the metro. Two new state-of-the-art trauma rooms support Unity's recent Level 3 trauma certification.
"We are proud to provide excellent care whenever people need it. This expansion gives our community one of the most current and efficient emergency services in the metro area," said Rickie Ressler, president of Unity Hospital.
Staffed by board-certified emergency medicine physicians, Unity's new emergency department is outfitted with all new, state-of-the-art equipment, and is able to serve patients of all needs, with rooms designed specifically for those challenged with obesity, behavioral health concerns, and victims of sexual assault.
"Months went into the planning of the environment," said Dr. Kurt Belk, Unity's Emergency medical director. "Everything about the design – the location of the electronic medical record, the equipment in each exam room, the overall work and traffic flow -- increases patient safety and satisfaction."
Last year, Unity treated nearly 42,000 emergency patients and will care for about 45,000 patients this year. The average time that patients spend in Unity's ER, regardless of condition, is about 195 minutes. Unity officials say they are proud that the time is one of the shortest in the metro area.
The new emergency department's construction and remodeling costs totaled $ 5.6 million, with contributions from the North Suburban Hospital District, Allina Hospitals & Clinics and the Mercy & Unity Hospitals Foundation.
Community open house coming in October
Tours of the ER, Unity's newly remodeled pediatric unit, and the Family Birth Center will be held Saturday, October 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The open house will also offer a health fair and kids' activities, including an “operation” game, an obstacle course and crafts. Free pumpkins will given to children aged 10 and under. Kids and adults can see the inside of an Allina ambulance.
The cost is free, but a donation of a non-perishable food item for the Southern Anoka County Assistance food shelf that serves the southern Anoka County area including Columbia Heights, Fridley and Spring Lake Park, is requested.
Unity Hospital in Fridley responds to a wide range of health care needs. Unity is part of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, a not-for-profit family of hospitals, clinics and other care services dedicated to meeting the lifelong health care needs of communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. # # #
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