Jefferson Hospital's ER to get $21 million face-lift

JEFFERSON HILLS, Pa. — Another local hospital is about to get millions of dollars to put toward renovations.

It's just the latest expansion news from Pittsburgh's two big hospital systems.

Health officials say they are not just talking about square footage with this expansion -- they are trying to transform the way they give care.

The emergency room at Jefferson Hospital will soon undergo major changes inside and out.

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Allegheny Health Network announced it will be pumping $21 million into renovations and upgrades at one of its busiest departments in the South Hills.

"We are a very busy department, we have outgrown our footprints," said Richard Sullivan, emergency medical director. "The fact that we are expanding the space, the size of the room will be better. We will expand the number of emergency department rooms that we have."

So what does it mean for the patients?

Doctors say of the 49 new or renovated treatment rooms, they'll be designed to accommodate different ages, and treat different illnesses and diseases.

"We are going to break out into eight different patient care teams much closer to the patients and visitors, and expedite their care in general," Sullivan said.

Hospital team leaders also announced they will be moving their emergency helipad to the top of their emergency department.

"We are going to strategically park it on top of (the) emergency department so it will be an elevator ride away from seeing us," Sullivan said. "Very quick and efficient."

In October, Allegheny Health Network announced plans to invest more than $1 billion in expansion projects.

Cox Media Group