About the Expansion

The UI Department of Emergency Medicine has launched a series of initiatives to provide Iowans with the highest level of excellence in patient care, research, and education.

As part of the initiative, a major renovation and construction project is under way that will nearly triple the size and scope of the Emergency Treatment Center at UI Hospitals and Clinics. The expanded ETC will occupy nearly 60,000 square feet more than double the size of the current facilities. In addition to expanded clinical areas, the new facility will accommodate trauma and emergency medicine administration, teaching areas including an auditorium, designated space for laboratory and radiology services, and the Emergency Medicine residency program.

Construction begins in Spring 2005, with the new clinical section slated for completion in early 2007. Renovation of the existing Emergency Treatment Center is scheduled for completion in 2009.

Throughout this construction period, our commitment to quality patient care and easy access to our facilities remains a top priority. Throughout this timeframe, detailed signage will be posted to direct individuals to the appropriate entry points.

See Maps and directions for the most current maps detailing street access information.

The new clinical area in the Emergency Treatment Center will include:

• 28 private patient rooms
• Three major critical care rooms
• Three specialized trauma rooms
• Two rooms for psychiatric emergencies
• One specialty room for ophthalmologic, ENT and dental emergencies

In addition, special accommodations are being made for evaluations of sexual assault victims, management of bariatric patients, and observation of patients with chest pain.

The facility also will include a designated area for pediatrics and urgent care. Multiple private triage and registration areas will promote efficient, confidential interaction with patients.

Design goals included creating an environment that provides a personalizing, humanizing experience for each patient. Large, private, quiet, and non-threatening patient care areas will allow family involvement and patient confidentiality. For the protection of patients and staff, the new facility incorporates tracking devices, entrance and exit controls, and sophisticated security cameras. The patient-centered facility will house the latest equipment and technology—all within a design that maximizes efficiency and patient accessibility.

Other features include improved parking, rapid registration and triage, visible and accessible room layouts, strategic equipment placement, and user-friendly work areas.