Chilton’s ED Renovation Isn’t Going According to Plan ... That's on Purpose

After finalizing plans last year to modernize and reconfigure its Emergency Department (ED), Chilton Medical Center is back at the drafting table, making enhancements to the new design using valuable insights gained during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Our goal for the new ED has always been to align our physical space with the excellence of our clinical care and services,” stated ED Chairman and Interim Chief Medical Officer Eric Perez, MD. “COVID-19 highlighted the need for additional features and design elements to strengthen the already high-quality care we offer, and they have since been added to our plans.”

These include negative-pressure ventilation for patients on isolation, exam rooms sized for lifesaving respiratory equipment, and larger clinical workstations that will allow for increased staffing at times of heightened volume.

“Chilton is one of the nation’s first hospitals to undertake an ED modernization project in the months after the height of COVID-19,” said Chilton President Stephanie Schwartz, FACHE. “This state-of-the-art space will represent the start of a new era in emergency medicine.”

While Chilton has made significant investments of time, effort, and expertise in the ED project, major commitments of resources have also propelled it forward.

“The Chilton Medical Center Foundation has built the framework for a multimillion-dollar fundraising initiative to support construction of the new ED,” explained Chief Development Officer Joan Beloff. “Seven figures had been raised before the campaign could even be announced, demonstrating the community’s overwhelming support for the project.”

When completed, the ED will feature 33 private exam rooms; a dedicated suite to address behavioral health needs; a private, comfortable registration and waiting area; and repositioned clinical workstations that maximize sightlines between patients and providers.

“Redesigning Chilton’s ED for pandemic readiness has created a greater role for philanthropy in bringing the new space to life,” said Foundation Director Michael Bressman. “Meaningful opportunities abound for community members to invest in the hospital’s strength, express gratitude to its health care heroes, and contribute to a world-class medical resource for their families, their neighbors and themselves.”

With construction set to begin later this year, Schwartz stressed the importance of local support.

“Our community is Chilton’s reason for being,” she said. “As a nonprofit hospital, we draw considerable strength from charitable support, especially when it represents how much our work means to our neighbors.”