The York Hospital Auxiliary announced a $1 million pledge last week to support the Behavioral Health Unit in the new WellSpan York Hospital Emergency Department, which is expected to be completed by the fall of 2017.
“The York Hospital Auxiliary advocates for improved community health through innovative wellness programs and projects, community partnerships and fund-raising,” said Kathy Turkewitz, president, York Hospital Auxiliary. “There is no doubt that the expansion and renovation of the Emergency Department is a perfect match with our mission.
“It is absolutely essential that our community has a modern and efficient hospital Emergency Department to serve the sickest and most severely injured patients, as well as those with less severe ailments,” she said.
The new emergency department will feature eight separate behavioral health exam rooms for those needing observation, or those being evaluated and awaiting admission to WellSpan York Hospital’s behavioral health inpatient unit or another facility.
The new space also features two crisis intervention rooms for behavioral health assessments by crisis counselors. The increased privacy will be invaluable to patients and their families as they deal with a crisis.
“Since a majority of the behavioral health patients who are admitted to WellSpan York Hospital come through the emergency department, we need a dedicated area that is better equipped to deal with their unique needs,” said Dr. Allen Miller, director, WellSpan Behavioral Health. “We will be able to provide an increased level of specialized care through the generous donation pledged today by the York Hospital Auxiliary.”
The York Hospital Auxiliary has supported WellSpan York Hospital since 1895. Over the years, it has raised and contributed more than $6 million to WellSpan Health services, equipment and patient care areas.
Keith Noll, senior vice president, WellSpan, and president, WellSpan York Hospital, said, “This gift will have a tremendous impact on the lives of countless people throughout our region, who turn to us for exceptional emergency care in their time of need.
“Our new emergency department will provide patients with a regional designation for advanced care in a state-of-the-art facility designed for faster treatment and exceptional service.”
WellSpan York Hospital’s Emergency Department currently cares for about 78,000 patients in a facility designed to treat about 50,000. The approximate 46,000-square foot project in the area of the hospital’s current emergency department is expected to cost $45 million. Construction is scheduled to start this summer.