Tuesday, March 6, 2012

A local hospital welcomed a new addition aimed at improving patient experience in emergency rooms.

The ER expansion at Via Christi Hospital on St. Francis includes six private rooms plus three treatment recliners for patients whose conditions can be quickly and easily treated. The 6,000-square-foot expansion also includes a remodeled waiting area.

Pam Albright, RN, the hospital's clinical care coordinator for the Emergency Department said a second triage room provides patient privacy and comfort.

“Our goal is to have an efficient and patient-centered environment in which to provide that care," said Albright. "Having a larger and well-designed space at our hospital on St. Francis is just one more step in that direction."

Via Christi recorded more than 129,000 visits last year to its three full-service Wichita hospitals' Emergency Departments. Of those, more than 56,000 were recorded at Via Christi Hospital on St. Francis, nearly 61,000 were at Via Christi Hospital on Harry, and another 11,000-plus were at Via Christi Hospital on St. Teresa.