New Backus ER opens at twice the size
Backus hospital's expanded Emergency Department opened last month, with 25,000 square feet of new and renovated space to help staff care for a steady increase in visits, which topped 55,000 in the past year.
The increase in patients was by far the most in the hospital's 114-year history, making it even more important that expansion was completed to include 42 mostly private rooms with many patient amenities and modern features.
Robert Sidman, MD, Chief of Emergency Services, said the new space offers patients a more pleasant experience and allows staff to provide high quality, efficient care.
Dr. Sidman said at a time when ED usage is soaring nationwide, too few hospitals are investing this much in their emergency departments.
The Backus ED project, part of an overall $50-million expansion that is nearly complete, demonstrates the hospital's commitment to the community. The fact that the hospital hired new staff to coincide with the expansion is another example.
"From the beginning, our BackusCare facilities project has not been about bricks and mortar," said Thomas P. Pipicelli, President and Chief Executive Officer. "It's about who we are and what we believe. It's about patient-centered care - and the people who provide it."
The hospital has seen a steady increase in ED visits over the years. In 1994, there were just 38,000 patient visits.
ED staff members say they like working in the ample space they now have, which in addition to the increase from 23 to 42 beds also includes more storage, wide hallways, better views of patients and a bright atmosphere.
Pauline Marzec, ED Tech, said, "The whole renovation and construction process has been an adventure, and now that it's finally here we're happy to be working in our expanded area. We will certainly be able to work more efficiently and it will greatly benefit our patients as well."
Marybeth Maynard, ED Tech, said the new facility helps with patient flow.
"We can settle patients in their rooms and make them as comfortable as possible. The new television sets in all rooms helps also, as a quieting and comfort feature," she said, adding that the ample space provides a more organized work area.
Rosemarie Eldridge, ED Tech, said "The layout is very efficient and will be quieter for the staff and patients."
The additional rooms are very helpful to patients, according to John Brady, RN. He said, "In the afternoon, when we often have an influx of patients, we have a better chance of limiting their wait times and getting them settled in their rooms."
