The new state-of-the-art Emergency Department at Lankenau Hospital receives 30,000 visits annually. The unit now can handle up to 45,000 cases a year. It more than doubles previous space and capacity, from 7,000 square feet and 13 beds to 19,000 square feet and 26 beds. More efficient design, universal function for high-tech equipment, and patient-friendly features—such as bedside registration, PACS, and decentralized nursing stations—allow for the delivery of more personalized care.

Initial patient assessments are made in a private nursing triage area, using a new triage system that quantitates the resources a patient will need in the evaluation and treatment process. There are 8 fast-track rooms and 18 acute treatment rooms, which are equipped with cardiac monitors, ceiling-mounted suture lighting, and a medical-gas column. Through the use of high-tech equipment carts, a patient with any condition or symptom can be treated in any acute treatment room. There are also two resuscitation rooms. Patient care is monitored through a sophisticated tracking system. Data from the tracking system will be used to manage time more efficiently and help improve patient flow through the department.

Three decentralized nurses’ stations, configured as “pods,” provide optimal patient visibility. Six acute-treatment rooms are serviced from each pod. Increased square footage in patient rooms, additional computer terminals, and ample desktop and counter space also support key nursing functions.

The driveway has been recon-figured so that patients can drive directly to the Emergency Department. There are separate entrances for ambulances and walk-in patients. Patient parking increased from 10 to 40 spaces. A decontamination area is located near the ambulance entrance.

Project category: New construction (completed October 2002)

Chief administrator: George McNally, Director of Engineering and Construction, (610) 645-3215

Firm: Francis Cauffman Foley Hoffmann, Architects, Ltd., (215) 568-8250

Design team: James Crispino, Principal, Director of Planning; Stephen Hegeman, Project Manager; Catherine Gow, Planner; Richard Beck, Architectural Designer; Donna McDaniel, Interior Designer

Photography: © Don Pearse Photographers, Inc.

Total building area (GSF): 22,000

Construction cost/sq. ft.: $272

Total cost (excluding land): $9,000,000