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The Emergency Department hosted an open house on Sept. 13, and hundreds of team members came to check out the new space.

At the event, team members got a tour of the building, learned more about the layout and services, asked questions of ED staff, enjoyed refreshments, and won raffle prizes.

If you weren’t able to make it to the event, those who attended can fill you in.

Alana Harrison, Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Neurology, was impressed with the atmosphere of the space. When she walked in for the first time, she thought it was “bright, airy, and open. It feels calm. It feels open and welcoming, which is exactly what we’re hoping patients will feel as they are going through something that is traumatic.”

Alexander Wilson, Occupational Therapist, was pleasantly surprised by what he saw. “It’s a big change from the Emergency Department you usually think of.”

Other visitors complimented how well the new layout will serve our patients, including the layout of the pods, new efficient processes, and private rooms.

“From a patient point of view, there’s so much more space, and the individual rooms are going to be much more appreciated by the patients,” said Martin Pietrzyk, Operating Room Transporter.

They remarked how the separate areas for pediatric and adult patients were distinct and clearly marked.

“The sign is right there, and I really appreciate that for my pediatric patients,” Harrison said.

Many team members expressed how thankful they were for the special opportunity to see the new ED before it opened to the public on Oct. 15. Check out some photos from the event below.