 giant aquarium filled with colorful saltwater fish welcomes every patient who walks into the new, spacious emergency room waiting area—just one of the many exciting components of the on-going $6.6 million renovation of Winthrop's Emergency Department.
The new Pediatric waiting area boasts a colorful fish tank and child-friendly toys.
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The ultra-modern waiting area now includes a
private and expanded triage and registration area. Skylights overhead and a wall of windows cast a warm glow over the entire room, creating a comfortable
atmosphere. Additionally, the bright and open waiting area allows for increased interaction between the
emergency staff and patients.
"Our staff has greater visibility and can better observe and care for the patients that come through the Emergency Department," said Patricia Benzenberg, RN, Head Nurse of the Emergency Department.
The Department also boasts a new, separate
pediatric waiting area to cater to the needs of younger patients and their families. Designed in bright, cheerful colors, the waiting area includes a television set and
children-sized furniture.
According to Gerald Brody, MD Chairman of the Emergency Department, the initial phase of the project saw the addition of a new Fast Track and the 15-bed Phyllis and Nathan Mistretta Chest Pain rule-out unit, and a new, covered ambulance bay, which can house up to seven emergency vehicles.
"The next phase of the renovation project will include the new 10-bed Pediatric Emergency Room," explained Dr. Brody. "With four isolation rooms and a central nurses station, this new area will cater to our younger patients and their families."
The new Emergency Room waiting area is bright and open.
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In addition to the new physical enhancements to the Emergency Department, patients have a new resource to assist them during their visit to the ED - John Duran, Patient Navigator.
"As the patient navigator, I help make the patients
and their families comfortable," said Mr. Duran. "I talk to them, get them food, drinks or blankets - whatever they need. Knowing how to communicate and put people at ease is a major part of my job."
Mr. Duran also speaks fluent Spanish, providing a valuable service to non-English speaking patients.
"Our new and expanded Department will continue to provide our patients with seamless, superior emergency care," added Dr. Brody. "We are very excited about the improvements and look forward to the project's
completion in the near future."
For more information on Winthrop's Emergency Services Program, call 1-516-663-0333.
For more information on SignTalk America, please call 516-663-2075.
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