The newest phase of the Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital (LGH) Emergency Department (ED) is now open as of April 27. The newest addition includes the opening of a 10-bed PATH (Psychiatric Assessment Treatment and Healing) unit, 13 dedicated pediatric beds and a satellite pharmacy location.
The dedicated pediatric beds are located in a space that is specially designed to provide an enhanced experience for pediatric patients and their families. This includes a designated registration desk and waiting area, as well as child life specialist support – which is helping children cope with the challenges of hospitalization and illness. If needed, patients have access to Lancaster County’s only pediatric inpatient unit, the Seraph-McSparren Pediatric Inpatient Center on the fourth floor of LGH.
The newest addition to the LGH emergency department includes a dedicated pediatric waiting room
A new pediatric and Fast Care team station, as well as the remaining Fast Care beds, also opened with this phase of the ED expansion. The Fast Care space includes eight "flex" beds that can be used for pediatric, adult and/or behavioral health patients, depending on the ED census.
In addition, the new satellite pharmacy location will support medications needed in the ED. A clinical pharmacist supports codes, reversals, traumas and other ED patient needs.
Additional features that opened with this phase of the ED include another team station; seven exam rooms; a new security office near the EMS entrance; and a temporary decontamination space.
“The continued expansion of LGH’s emergency department is providing Lancaster County with the best emergency care possible and delivers on our commitment to continuous improvement,” said Larry Strassner, Chief Nursing Officer. “Patients can know that when they walk into our ED they will be given care specific to their needs by a highly-skilled health system that has been providing ER care to Lancaster community for over 130 years.”