by Thomas Hobson
Child Life Director

Since we are incredibly close to the opening of the new hospital and Crystal’s post on Tuesday, I thought I would share a sneak preview of the Emergency Department (ED) in the new hospital.  This is an area that might be the only part of the hospital a family ever interacts.  It seems important to share a little bit about all of the changes.

Often, people will call it an emergency room, but let me assure you that there are way more than one room.  As a matter of fact, the new ED will have 60 exam rooms, which is an increase form the 39 in the current facility.  Even more exciting is that the new space will be approximately 50 percent larger than the current space.  There are some rooms dedicated to specific treatments, including 9 respiratory rooms, 3 orthopedics rooms, and 4 trauma beds.  Additionally, there will be 5 triage rooms, which will help to treat patients in a more efficient manner.

The ED see approximately 70,000 children each year, and treats more than 13,000 major and minor traumas. Since there is such a high need, there will always be 5 attending physicians, 1-2 fellows, and 5-6 residents.  This level of physician staffing will be able to provide the high level of care and expertise patients and families expect when coming to Le Bonheur Children’s.

If you have been watching the construction of the new hospital, you may have noticed that the helicopter-landing pad is located at the top of the building.  If a patient is transported via helicopter, there is a dedicated elevator.  What’s more impressive is that it can deliver a patient to the ED in one minute!  The elevator will only access the Intensive Care Unit, the Surgery Suites, and the ED.

In previous posts, I have mention that artwork will play a big roll in the new hospital.  The ED is the home for the some of the winning pieces from a recent art contest Le Bonheur held for children in the Mid-South.  The contest received over 3,000 submissions and the art committee selected 200 pieces.  The artwork will be featured along a long hallway that runs between the ED and radiology department, and will have an aquatic theme.

All of these different elements come together to make the new Emergency Department, and we couldn’t be more excited.  No one comes to an ED thinking that it will be a fun experience.  Le Bonheur Children’s has developed a plan of care, and the space to support it, to make the most out of the situation. 

Hopefully, you will never have to bring a patient to the ED.  However, if you do, know that we’re here for you.