2004 Press Releases
Foundation appeals to community to help fund Rome Memorial Hospital’s new Emergency Department Surrounded by major donors and hospital officials, the Rome Memorial Hospital Foundation launched the public phase of its capital campaign Monday, Sept. 13, to raise money for the hospital’s new 10,500 square foot Emergency Department. “This hospital is absolutely critical to our community. We need it not only for our well being, but for our community’s continued growth,” said Foundation President William Tracy. “I appeal to everyone in the greater Rome community to participate in the ‘Building a Better Tomorrow’ campaign and give whatever you can. Your donation will be greatly appreciated by the entire community – each one of us who depends upon this hospital for our emergency care.” With nearly $2.25 million pledged by major donors, foundations, hospital management, physicians and board members, the Foundation is now appealing to the general community for help in reaching its $3 million goal. The total cost of the construction project is $10.5 million. “Our Emergency Department is the heart of our organization, but we are challenged by a lack of space for the growing number of patients who turn to us for emergency care,” President and Chief Executive Officer Darlene Burns said. “Anyone who has ever experienced the long waits and overcrowded conditions in our Emergency Department recognizes the undeniable need for expansion.” The current Emergency Department was built in 1976 when the number of patient visits numbered less than 10,000 per year. In 2003, the Emergency Department staff treated 19,165 patients, a 3.4% increase over 2002. The number of seniors treated in the Emergency Department has climbed more than 20% in the last five years. The hospital’s 11-member Board of Trustees unanimously approved the $10.5 million capital project to build a new Emergency Department, according to Craig McCaa, chairman of the hospital’s Board of Trustees. “Constructing a new Emergency Department is clearly the board’s top priority because it is the top priority for our community. It is the one area where our current hospital facilities are unable to meet our patients’ expectations,” McCaa said. “We are pleased that the Foundation has joined us in this shared vision to construct an Emergency Department that better meets our community’s needs,” McCaa said. “The hospital Foundation board was looking for a major project to help the hospital. When we identified the E.D. as the top priority, the Foundation board embraced the project 100%. This is the first time that the Foundation has embarked upon a major fund-raising effort on behalf of the hospital and we are grateful for its support.” Extending out from the current Emergency Department towards Black River Boulevard, the new construction will nearly triple the size of the hospital’s Emergency Department from 3,700 square feet to 10,500 square feet. The number of treatment rooms will be increased by 75% from eight to 14. “We are creating a patient-centered Emergency Department that provides more privacy and comfort for our patients and their families, while enhancing the efficiency of our operations,” Mrs. Burns said. “We are designating two of our treatment rooms as ‘Fast Track’ rooms to expedite treatment for patients whose needs are not as emergent as those with life-threatening injuries or illnesses.” Other highlights include a larger patient waiting area, larger treatment rooms and dedicated space for ambulance and security personnel. To improve safety, there will be a dedicated ambulance bay separate from the entrance for patients arriving on their own. The three-story project includes an additional 10,500 square feet of space below and approximately 8,000 square feet above the new Emergency Department to address other space shortage issues identified in the hospital’s recent facility master plan. A start date for construction will be set once the certificate of need application is approved by the New York State Department of Health. If there are no delays in getting state approval, the tentative schedule calls for construction of the new Emergency Department to begin in late spring 2005 with the opening anticipated for late spring 2006. “We are very grateful to those who have already given us their support for this project,” Mrs. Burns said. “It is out of their care and concern for the community that they have been so generous. They are ensuring that the healthcare needs of our community will be taken care of for future generations to come.” To date, nearly 100 donors have pledged $2.25 million towards the “Building a Better Tomorrow” campaign in support of the $10.5 million construction project. Tax deductible contributions may be made to the Rome Memorial Hospital Foundation, 1617 N. James St., Suite 575, Rome, NY 13440. A member of the Foundation is available to meet with donors to discuss planned giving and naming opportunities for larger gifts. Contact the Foundation’s Executive Director Joelle Taylor at 337-5162 for further information or e-mail her at jtaylor@romehospital.org. | 