NEWS RELEASES:

New Emergency Department Open
Saint John’s Health System has taken emergency care to new heights with the opening of our new, state-of-the-art Emergency Department in March of 2007.  The newly constructed facility features the area’s only on-site air medical transport team stationed with a helicopter on top of the building.

Saint John’s new Emergency Department treatment areas focus on increased patient privacy, comfort and convenience.  The facility features dedicated trauma rooms and superior real-time digital imaging. 

Chest Pain Center
The Saint John’s Emergency Department is the premiere facility for the rapid assessment of heart attack and for transportation of patients who need intervention to open blocked arteries.  The Emergency Department includes the St.Vincent Chest Pain Center at Saint John’s.  The Chest Pain Center is a partnership with Saint John’s through Indiana Heart Attack Network, The Care Group cardiologists, St.Vincent Heart Center of Indiana and Dove Flight Medical Transportation.  Through this coalition of cardiology leaders, the St.Vincent Chest Pain Center at Saint John’s provides rapid assessment, established communication and protocols with The Care Group and St.Vincent Heart Center, and rapid transportation via Dove Flight. 

An important part of Saint John’s trauma care is the Dove Flight helicopter on the roof.  The Dove Flight air medical transport helicopter and crew are on-site around the clock to provide rapid transportation. 

The number of patient care areas has increased from the previous 21 to 29.  All rooms are private and larger than the previous facility.  Each room includes cardiac monitoring.  Bedside computer registration, electronic documentation and physician order-entry help make the care more efficient and safe.  Patients’ family members appreciate that each room has a TV and telephone. 

The new Emergency Department features specialty treatment areas for pediatrics, gynecology, psychiatry, ear/nose/throat conditions, and eye injuries. 

Sexual Assault Treatment Center
Saint John’s Sexual Assault Treatment Center, treating adults and children, is also part of the new emergency department.  Saint John’s introduced our sexual assault treatment center in 2000.  Saint John’s has seven nurses specifically trained in the evaluation and treatment of patients who have been sexually assaulted.  They are trained also in how to collect forensic evidence that can be used in the prosecution of perpetrators.

Poison Control Network
The Emergency Services Department is a member of the Indiana Poison Control (IPC) Network. When poison or overdose patients enter the Emergency Department, the most up-to-date treatment for a given substance is available.

(March 15, 2007)