CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System has dramatically expanded access to the most critically ill and injured patients with the unveiling of the new Emergency Room at CHRISTUS Highland Medical Center. The state-of-the-art
expansion doubles the size of the ER and is part of a $43 million, system-wide investment that adds new inpatient rooms, two cath labs and remodels and refreshes the entire Highland campus.
The new Emergency Room is designed to improve patient experience by optimizing flow and efficiency – meaning patients are triaged and treated faster, getting the high-quality critical care they need. Patient access to the new Emergency Room is expected in early November 2020.
“Quality of care is our number one goal, and this expansion allows us to deliver that care faster than ever before,” said Steen Trawick, M.D., Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer, CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System.
“The new design includes an expanded fast track and triage area with dedicated teams, in which simultaneous care is provided for non-life-threatening and life-threatening emergencies. This means patients with minor emergencies are
treated and discharged with minimal wait times.”
The new Emergency Room is strategically designed with specialized care spaces closest to the ambulance entrance for rapid medical intervention in the care of the most medically urgent patients, especially cardiac emergencies.
“The design of our new ER is purposeful to assist in the prioritization of care,” said Justin Moore, M.D., Emergency Medical Director, CHRISTUS Highland Medical Center. “This means patients with less emergent or minor care needs can be seen in our new Fast Track setting, expediting their care and delivering a great patient experience while in another part of the ER, we are focused on critical patients needing specialized and rapid interventions. When seconds count, such as cardiac emergencies, this new design matters.”
The addition of a discharge lobby, where patients can wait comfortably to go home or for lab or diagnostic results, is also vital in readying treatment areas for new patients, and providing an improved patient experience through efficient care.
CHRISTUS Foundation invested an additional $30,000 in specialized equipment to create a healing, soothing environment within the Emergency Room. The new space showcases multisensory equipment to provide a calming effect for patients and families including an exam room designed for pediatric patients. Through the use of light, color and sound, bubble columns, projectors and marble walls provide diversion and comfort to pediatric patients and their
families.
“These enhancements deliver a specialized experience for pediatric patients providing a safe space and increasing our ability to help calm and comfort children and help them relax during an ER visit,” said Amy Heron, Executive Director of CHRISTUS Foundation Shreveport-Bossier. “As the local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, this investment to enhance the care environment is just another way we are working to improve the lives of children in our community, and we are grateful for our generous donors who contributed to our CMN fundraising who made it possible.”
Construction on the new Emergency Room began in early 2019, providing an economic boost for several contractors and companies in Shreveport-Bossier. The multi-million-dollar project showcases the newest completed facilities at CHRISTUS Highland Medical Center as expansion continues into next year with new cath labs and a cardiovascular center of excellence.”
“Our mission is to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ by providing complete emergency care to our Shreveport-Bossier patients through the new Emergency Room at CHRISTUS Highland Medical Center and CHRISTUS BOSSIER Emergency Hospital. This is a milestone to be celebrated. Your home for emergencies is CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System,” said Dr. Trawick.