A new era of emergency medical care for the Tuscarawas County community began with the opening of the new Union Hospital Lauren Emergency Center on March 17. The first patient was admitted shortly after 5 a.m., and by 6 a.m. the last patients were discharged from the old emergency room and it was officially closed.
Carey Gardner, director of community relations, said the move to the new emergency center began early in the morning. We knew the early morning hours would be best, with the fewest patients remaining in the ER facility we were leaving and before admissions increase about 7 a.m.
Gardner said the intensive preparations made over the past few months helped to make the transition go smoothly. A group of 25 department heads and other staff arrived at the hospital by 4 a.m. to assist with the complex process of closing the old ER and opening an entirely new facility.
The opening of the new emergency center for patient care marks the end of phase one of the project. Gardner said phase two includes the complete renovation of the former ER patient entrance, reception and registration lobby, triage rooms and other support areas of the new facility.
Phase two will take about four months to complete, Gardner said. During that time all emergency patients will enter through doors at the back of the lower level of the new emergency center. A temporary reception and triage area is located just inside that entrance, and additional staff are assisting patients with parking, way finding and wheelchair transport.
As we near the end of this project it seems to have gone quickly, he said. Great weather throughout the construction period meant no delays and the project is being finished right on its construction budget of $14 million with an additional $3.7 million invested in new medical equipment.
The Lauren identity has been incorporated into the name of the Union Hospital Lauren Emergency Center as the result of a $1 million donation to the project capital campaign by Lauren International of New Philadelphia. Dozens of other gifts and grants have helped the campaign reach approximately $3.1 million in total donations. Campaign gifts are still being accepted. Potential donors may contact Monte Ball, director of development, by calling 330-602-0789.
Gardner said he expects phase-two work on the project to be completed by midsummer.
At that time we plan to have the formal dedication ceremony and cut a ribbon to mark the completion of the Union Hospital Lauren Emergency Center, he said.
Project updates and information are provided frequently at www.unionhospital.org/emergencycenter.
