CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Representatives of Parkridge Health System’s emergency departments recently attended the Catoosa County Emergency Planning Committee meeting to reinforce the commitment of Parkridge Health System to serve residents of the county following the recent closing of Hutcheson Medical Center. During the meeting, Anne Ervin, Parkridge Health System Market Lead for Physician and Provider Relations, summarized recent facility developments, especially within the emergency departments, that include the current development of a Clinical Decision Unit (CDU) and low acuity treatment area at Parkridge Medical Center.
“People are increasingly going to the emergency room for medical care, so access to quality healthcare is essential,” said Ervin. “Parkridge Health System wants Catoosa County residents to know we are here for them, and we would like to partner to promote good health through access and education on the availability of quality medical services.”
Catoosa County residents have access to Parkridge Medical Center in Chattanooga, Tenn. and Parkridge East Hospital in East Ridge, Tenn. Both facilities offer a full array of comprehensive services but many patients encounter our facilities through the emergency departments. Parkridge East Hospital and Parkridge Medical Center are expected to see an increase of 8,000 more ER patient visits in 2015 than 2014. With this increased volume, both facilities continue to deliver quality care while ensuring minimal ER wait times - the time it takes for a patient to be seen by a medical professional after entering the facilities. The facilities also focus on the patients with less severe injuries or illnesses, working to get them released as quickly as possible, minimizing their time in the ER.
“Parkridge Health System will continue to invest in our facilities to better accommodate this growth,” said Darrell Moore, President and CEO of Parkridge Health System. In addition to the current development of the CDU and low acuity treatment area, Parkridge Medical Center’s emergency department completed construction of a helipad this fall, and the facility is planning a renovation project to enhance access to other patient services. Parkridge East Hospital, in addition to recent facility upgrades and expanded patient parking, has plans actively in development to expand the emergency department.
The purpose of the Catoosa County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) is to form professional relationships among agencies, businesses, government, and emergency services to increase cooperation, coordination, and interaction in the event of a major incident in the county. Incidents include, but are not limited to: weather related emergencies, hazardous material spills, terrorist attacks, large scale fires, etc. The committee develops and implements strategies for response to these incidents on a local and countywide level, and participates in local drills and exercises.
For more information about Parkridge Health System, visit ParkridgeHealth.com.