UI Hospitals and Clinics is:

• Certified by the American College of Surgeons as a Level I Trauma Center with pediatric commitment, meaning it provides a team ‘round-the-clock for critically injured patients who may require emergency care and surgical intervention.
• Verified by the Iowa Department of Public Health as a Resource Trauma Care Facility.

Expansion project to upgrade emergency care facilities for patients and families

A major renovation and construction project will significantly improve the emergency care environment for patients and families visiting the Emergency Treatment Center (ETC) at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

The project—which began early this year and is scheduled for completion in 2009—will incorporate the latest equipment and technology, assure that each patient receives a personal, private experience, and provide sufficient space for the growing volume of patients served by the ETC.

“The ETC expansion and renovation will improve our ability to provide family-centered care and help patients and families access the ETC more easily,” said Eric W. Dickson, M.D., medical director of the ETC and head of the Department of Emergency Medicine.

Dickson emphasized that during the renovation project, the ETC commitment to quality patient care and easy access to facilities will remain a top priority. A new temporary parking area will be used until a large new permanent parking area is constructed.

“We will be open for business as usual throughout the construction process,” Dickson said.

When completed, the new facility will more than double the size of the current facility. It will include:

• 28 spacious, private patient rooms
• Three major critical care rooms
• Three specialized trauma rooms
• Two rooms for psychiatric emergencies
• One specialty room for ophthalmologic and dental emergencies
• Special accommodations for evaluations of sexual assault victims, management of bariatric patients, and observation of patients with chest pain
• Designated areas for pediatric and urgent care

In addition, tracking devices, entrance and exit controls, and sophisticated security cameras will be installed to assure the protection of patients and staff.

The new ETC also will accommodate the UI Hospitals and Clinics Emergency Medicine residency program, trauma and emergency medicine administration, teaching areas including an auditorium, and designated space for laboratory and radiology services.

For updated information about the project as it becomes available, visit www.uihealthcare.com/etc.