The Wait is Over: Baptist Health Louisville’s Newly Renovated and Expanded Emergency Department Is an ER like No Other
How do you create a state-of-the-art, patient-centered ER that will better serve its community for years to come? When the leadership of Baptist Health Louisville made the decision to renovate, reconfigure and expand the ER, they drew on research conducted with patients and visitors. They sought input from staff, physicians and administration. And they worked closely with the facility planning experts at CBRE Healthcare. This collaboration resulted in plans designed to meet four key goals:
- Enhance patient privacy and the overall experience of patients and their families
- Increase the number of patients who could be treated, and the speed in which they could be seen
- Minimize the need for EMS to divert patients to other locations
- Improve the work environment for Emergency Department staff and physicians
Following an investment of almost $19 million, the renovated ER at Baptist Health Louisville officially opened to patients on June 19, 2018.
The industry-leading redesign adds 9,278 square feet of space, which increases capacity, the speed and efficiency of check-in, and improves patient privacy. The hospital also brought in additional ER physicians and staff, so patients can be seen faster by the dedicated team. The design improves the workplace environment for staff, nurses and physicians. And state-of-the-art equipment is strategically located for speed of care. There’s even an on-site pharmacy so patients won’t have to make an extra stop on their way home.
The waiting room is more family-friendly, with special amenities such as technology charging stations. There is also a consultation room that accommodates sensitive conversations so family members and medical professionals don’t have to hold critical, decision-making discussions in the hallway.
Patients are no longer seen in rooms separated by thin curtains. Each of the 44 patient rooms is designed for one individual, with space for two family members or friends to sit comfortably. Each room has a flat screen TV as well as windows with privacy blinds between the glass panes.
Baptist Health Louisville increased the number of ambulance bays to a total of 10, with a specialized entrance for ambulance and helicopter arrivals. The area helps ensure that patients arriving by ambulance or helicopter move quickly from check-in to triage to treatment. It also helps prevent the need for patients to be sent to other hospitals, improving speed of care.
With life-threatening emergencies, an immediate, skilled response is essential. Baptist Health Louisville now has a dedicated room uniquely designed and equipped to expedite care to patients experiencing conditions such as heart attacks or strokes. A CT scanner, X-ray and other advanced diagnostic equipment are in the same area for fast and accurate diagnoses. And the response teams are ready to spring into action with advanced procedures that can save lives.
The facility design, technology, protocols and professionals mean that emergency care can be provided in an intelligently designed, patient-centered environment.
Visit the Baptist Health Louisville website to see for yourself what the future of emergency care looks like.