Capping three years of construction, Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank has opened a new $78 million, state-of-the-art Emergency Department, a facility that houses leading-edge equipment that allows for expedited care and increased patient privacy and comfort. The new, 48-bed emergency department is 34,500 square-feet, nearly three times larger than the previous space.
“The Sisters of Providence came to this community nearly 80 years ago with one purpose: to serve and care for this community,” said Chief Executive Karl Keeler. “This Emergency Department is an extension of that mission. In addition to the long list of enhancements, we did our best to address some of our biggest health needs when going through the design process, including adding separate behavioral health areas, resuscitation rooms and expansive care stations.
“Our community deserves access to the highest standard of care, and this facility allows for just that.”
Funded solely through community donations, the Jaromír Střížka Emergency Department at Providence Saint Joseph is equipped with sophisticated, on-site imaging and lab equipment, which includes an ultrasound machine and CT scanner for prompt diagnosis and life-saving treatment.
Thanks to these upgrades and an improved triage area, it is anticipated Providence Saint Joseph will have an annual capacity of roughly 93,000 emergency visits, approximately 20,000 more visits than the previous facility allowed.
As is typical for all emergency departments across the country, patients seeking care are registered and prioritized for treatment based on severity of illness or injury. Those who come to Providence Saint Joseph are met by highly trained, board-certified emergency physicians and a compassionate staff.
“So often, patients come to the Emergency Department worried, scared and in pain, and it’s our job to not only ensure each patient receives the care they need, but they also receive it in a timely fashion,” said Debbie Buffham, MSN, RN, executive director of emergency services at Providence Saint Joseph. “This new ED places every tool we need to do our jobs at our fingertips. Because of that, the number of patients we’re able to care for, as well as patient flow, will greatly improve.”
The new facility also gives hospital staff access to administrative and physician offices, caregiver lounges and a garden.
“As much as we’re excited about all the benefits to our patients, we’re equally thrilled that this ED offers a safe and spacious area for our caregivers and physicians to work and relax,” Keeler said. “The entire community came together to make this Emergency Department a reality. We’re truly grateful for the support and humbled to be continuing the legacy of our founding Sisters of Providence.”
