Bryn Mawr Hospital Unveils Plans for $20 Million Emergency Department Expansion Project to Meet Growing Demand for Services

With a 50 percent increase in Emergency Department (ED) visits in the past eight years, Bryn Mawr Hospital has announced plans for a major expansion of its ED. The new state-of-the-art facility, slated for completion in September 2008, will be twice the size of the existing department to accommodate the growth in patients.

Multiple Trends Drive Increasing Demand
In 2005, 38,000 emergency cases presented at Bryn Mawr Hospital in a facility designed to accommodate 25,000 annual visits. "We have seen a surge in emergency cases, and the number will continue to grow," says hospital president Andrea Gilbert. "A new ED is a top priority in order to serve our patients most effectively."

Factors contributing to the increased demand include the closing of other emergency facilities in the region, an aging population with increasingly complex illnesses, and changes in health insurance.

All-Encompassing Care
The department serves an average of 102 patients daily during the week and as many as 135 a day on weekends. One-quarter of all patients are children. Patients are treated for diagnoses ranging from heart attack and stroke, to pregnancy complications, to injuries due to work or auto accidents. On a typical day, at any given time, every one of the department's treatment rooms is filled and up to seven patients are awaiting treatment.

"You cannot predict when you will need the Emergency Department or why, but when you do, the need is critical," says Leonard Checchio, MD, chief of Emergency Services at Bryn Mawr Hospital. "As the need escalates, our goal is to be prepared to serve the community now and into the future."

Designed for Quality, Efficiency and Compassion
The ED will increase from 15,400 to 27,900 square feet and from 23 treatment rooms to 36, to care for a projected 50,000 patients a year with less waiting time. The facility will feature six service areas, including triage, dedicated diagnostic imaging, an acute care center and a child-friendly pediatric treatment area.

"The new ED is being strategically designed to allow for the most effective and efficient overall patient care," says Dr. Checchio. "For example, the pediatric area will be set apart from the sometimes troubling sights and sounds of adult emergency treatment."

The facility will be equipped with electronic charting and tracking technology, resulting in greater accuracy and efficiency. Staff will carry wireless phones for immediate access to each other and to information without leaving the patient's side. Treatment rooms will be large enough to accommodate family, and glass doors will replace curtain entrances, enhancing confidentiality and comfort.

A Strong Foundation Still Needs Support
The $20 million expansion will be funded mainly through charitable support. In September 2005, Bryn Mawr Hospital launched a $15 million campaign to raise the funds necessary for the expansion. Community response to date has been positive.

"We are off to a wonderful start with some generous early gifts and pledges to our 'nucleus fund,'" says Ms. Gilbert. "As of April, approximately 50 percent of the goal had been committed."

"Our donors, board members, and administration are behind this venture 100 percent," she continued. "This new ED is not just about a new facility. It is part of our commitment to the community.We are committed to raising the standard of care and providing a superior level of service, comfort and support to families when they need it most."

This Dedication Can't Happen Without Yours
Your generous support will have an enormous impact on our community, which relies upon the 24-hour service provided by the ED. To make your contribution online, Click Here!

To learn more about philanthropy at Bryn Mawr Hospital, please call Russ Bullitt, Executive Director of Development at 610-526-8177 or email BullittR@mlhs.org.

More About The Bryn Mawr Hospital Emergency Department Expansion...

View a Video Clip Of Our Planned Expansion! See exactly how our state of the art Emergency Department will look when it's finished. (Windows Media Player required to view).  View Clip Now!

Read All About It in The Pulse! The Pulse is the official newsletter of the Bryn Mawr ED Expansion Project. Catch up on the latest developments, learn more about our expansion objectives, meet the expansion team, and more! The Pulse comes out on a quarterly basis; click below to view issues. (PDF documents. Adobe Reader is required to view and print). Winter 2008 Issue Summer 2007 Issue Winter 2007 Issue Summer 2006 Issue