May 15, 2010

Broadlawns Previews New Emergency Department

Des Moines, May15, 2010 – Those who work in the emergency care community were given a sneak preview to the newly expanded and renovated emergency department at Broadlawns Medical Center.

"This open house previewed an important part of the first phase of our Site and Facilities Plan," stated Jody Jenner, president and CEO of Broadlawns Medical Center. "Although the public open house won't take place until August, we felt it was important to demonstrate the new capabilities, capacity and state-of-the­art technology that we have achieved in our emergency department with those in our community who will most appreciate it – those who work in this field."

More than 200 area firefighters, police, emergency paramedics, ambulance staff and emergency management personnel attended the soft opening and tour of the renovated department, which is four times larger with more than 15,000 square feet. Emergency personnel were pleased with the new ambulance garage and secure access.

Architects from Shive-Hattery were on hand to answer questions and discuss the overall project.

"This project has progressed smoothly from the beginning, and it remains on budget and on time," added Jenner. "We are looking forward to achieving the same successes with the next phases of this project as we continue to add capacity and enhance the services we are providing to residents of Polk County."

Broadlawns is a Level 3 trauma center serving the central Iowa area. One in six emergency visits in Polk County comes to Broadlawns. The expansion increased the size of the emergency department by 50%, adding 7 patient rooms for a total of 21 patient rooms, including 4 new behavioral health rooms and 3 new trauma rooms The newly constructed behavioral health hallway was designed to enhance patient safety and security.

"This new emergency department is built for the challenges of today's 24/7 emergency medical care," said Jim Cummings, MD, emergency department medical director. "The design allows fast transfers to radiology imaging equipment, including a new state-of-the-art MRI. Our team has instant access to equipment needed for any problem from simple sutures to a major heart attack. The abundant natural light makes the space more comfortable for patients and staff."

The public will be invited to celebrate at a grand open house of the Phase I renovations and construction in August.

With a history that reaches back to 1903 as a community health center, Broadlawns Medical Center first opened its doors as a hospital to the residents of Polk County in 1924. Over the years, Broadlawns has adapted to the changing demands of public health care, yet remained true to its mission of offering quality health services to all Polk County residents and training tomorrow’s health care professionals.

Today, Broadlawns Medical Center is composed of: 

• An acute care community hospital serving medical, surgical, mental health and primary care needs
• A 60-member physician practice overseeing numerous specialty clinics and outpatient services
• A Family Medicine Residency Program that graduates physician leaders who are serving 22 of Iowa’s 99 counties and communities across the nation

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