Carle has one of the best Emergency Departments (ED) in the nation, ranked in the top 5% by HealthGrades for a second year in a row. Demand for that service has skyrocketed, with Carle serving more than 65,000 people in the ED in 2011 alone. That need for service means that currently, some patients may experience extended waits, often in overflow areas such as the corridor or waiting room.
“With an aging population, more chronic conditions, changing insurance coverage and an expectation for immediate care, we must do all we can to increase our ability to care for patients experiencing life-threatening emergencies,” said James C. Leonard, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Carle Foundation.
If approved, the proposed expansion would include renovating existing space and adding a one-story structure north of the current ED and adjacent to the new tower. It will be designed for more efficient function with patient privacy and comfort in mind allowing Carle to continue treating the most complex cases.
Features will include:
- Increasing current Emergency Department space by nearly 14,000 square feet
- Adding 17 acute emergency beds for a total of 39
- Adding another trauma room and safe room
- Adding or replacing imaging equipment with a new MRI, two 64-slice CTs, two X-ray rooms and ultrasound room in a dedicated Radiology suite
“As the region’s Level I Trauma Center, Carle receives the most acutely ill or injured patients who require immediate, urgent evaluation and treatment. As a Primary Stroke Center and accredited Chest Pain Center, we specialize in this extraordinary and fast care,” said Lynne Barnes, Vice President of Hospital Operations for Carle. “By updating, expanding and adding necessary resources, we’ll be able to provide an even higher level of care to our patients,” Barnes said.
The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board is expected to review the request at its October meeting and if approved, construction would begin in the fall. The renovated and expanded Emergency Department is estimated for completion in late 2014.