Key elements include technology, safety, and privacy

“The community deserves to have the latest in emergency medicine innovations,” said Riverside President and CEO Phil Kambic. “From technology and equipment to patient flow and process improvement, our team has looked at all aspects of care in the emergency room, and we have re-engineered that space to be able to provide state-of-the-art care. We appreciate the community's patience as we worked to redefine our emergency department."

Increases in efficiency regarding patient flow and process improvement, as Kambic points out, were key elements of the redesign project. With 35 patient care areas, including six rapid treatment areas, and two adjacent trauma rooms, Riverside's new emergency department is better equipped to meet the needs of the community, and in turn lower patient wait times. Improved care for treating survivors of sexual assault was also part of the new design with a special treatment room with increased privacy including a private bathroom and shower.

Additionally, four behavior health rooms are part of the new design to address mental health concerns in a safe and secure manner.

"Riverside knows that mental health is a growing concern in our community, said Riverside Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer Kathy O’Grady. “We want to be able to serve patients who come to our ER and are experiencing a mental health crisis the best we can."

New Technology

Riverside's team of skilled doctors and nurses are now working with the latest technology in all areas of patient care in the emergency department. A new command central allows staff to monitor patient safety through video and respond to needs quickly. Negative pressure capabilities in the air handling system is another key feature in the emergency department remodel, which can prevent the spread of airborne illness between patients, visitors, and staff members.

Enhanced Privacy

Patients can be at ease knowing Riverside's new emergency room has all private rooms. "Privacy plays a key role in patient experience, and we want to make sure patients and their family members feel comfortable and safe when they come to Riverside," Kambic said.

Increased Safety Measures

Patient safety is Riverside's priority, and ensuring a safe environment for not only patients, but also staff played a critical role in designing the new emergency room. Riverside's security team has access to advanced video monitoring and surveillance, in addition to separate entrances for walk-in patients and patients arriving by ambulance.

“When an emergency happens, seconds can make all the difference in a person’s outcome,” Kambic said. “Patients are drawn to Riverside's ER in part because we offer the area's only full continuum of cardiac and neurological care, including heart and brain surgeons. We have made the commitment to have these experts here 24/7 for the community,” Kambic said. "When patients come to Riverside, we want them to know they will be treated with respect and dignity."

Riverside is also supported by pediatricians from University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital. Riverside is a Level II trauma center and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.