USA Health began work today on a $15 million project to double the size of its emergency department at Children’s and Women’s Hospital.
“This will create the first true pediatric emergency center at the hospital,” said Edward Panacek, M.D., M.P.H., chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine. “The center will combine state-of-the-art technology with the advanced practice associated with an academic health center to improve the care provided to everyone who comes through our doors.”
The department will expand from 9,000 square feet to 19,000, and will include space suitable for parents to stay with children, for behavioral health issues and for patients with special needs.
“The Pediatric Emergency Center at USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital is the only healthcare facility in the region offering specialized care 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and staffed with pediatric emergency medicine physicians to best meet the needs of sick and injured children,” the group said in announcing the expansion.
“Not only has the demand for our services grown with the population of the region, but the space requirements associated with the delivery of the high quality of care we are known for makes this expansion even more important,” said Chris Jett, administrator for Children’s & Women’s Hospital. “We will have the most up-to-date equipment that matches the high-quality team that delivers the care.”
And USA Health CEO Owen Bailey, M.H.A., FACHE, added: “For many, our pediatric emergency center is the gateway to resolving their child’s medical issue. This project is another example of our recent efforts to increase access to the unmatched services we provide. We are excited about having the opportunity to continue meeting the healthcare needs of the children in the Upper Gulf Coast region and hopefully provide some additional peace of mind to families in the area.”
