In a groundbreaking move set to transform emergency healthcare in Yonkers, St. John’s Riverside Hospital is embarking on an ambitious expansion of its Emergency Department (ED). This visionary project, slated to break ground in the coming months, promises to elevate patient care with greater privacy, convenient access, and efficiency to unprecedented levels.
Raffaele Milizia, MD, Chief of Emergency Medicine at St. John’s Riverside Hospital, shared his enthusiasm for the project: “Yonkers has grown significantly, and our current ED, designed for 23,000 annual visits, now serves over 40,000 patients yearly. This expansion is not just necessary; it’s transformative.”
The cornerstone of this expansion is a dramatic increase in square footage and treatment room capacity, effectively doubling the current space. This growth addresses patients’ primary concern: privacy. “Our new design ensures patients won’t have to see or hear others during their visit, significantly enhancing comfort and confidentiality,” Dr. Milizia explained.
A key feature of the redesigned ED is its innovative layout. The new walk-in entrance, conveniently located near parking, will streamline patient flow. Dr. Milizia highlighted, “About 40% of patients will be treated in the front area and discharged from there, separate from the main ED where we care for more critical cases. This setup mirrors an urgent care model for less severe cases, drastically improving efficiency and patient experience.”
The expansion introduces a tiered care system:
- A fast-track area for minor ailments
- An intermediate zone for cases requiring more attention
- The main ED for high-acuity patients
This structure ensures that patients with less serious conditions aren’t exposed to more critical cases, reducing stress and improving care delivery.
St. John’s Riverside Hospital has long been committed to providing top-quality care. “Over the past decade, we’ve focused intensely on delivering the highest quality of care. This expansion will now allow our patient experience to match that exceptional level of care,” Dr. Milizia proudly stated.
The new design also addresses logistical challenges. Currently, patients must park on the opposite side of the building from the ED entrance. The expansion will align parking and entrance locations, significantly enhancing accessibility and convenience.
As Yonkers grows, St. John’s Riverside Hospital is stepping up to meet the community’s evolving healthcare needs. This ED expansion is more than just a building project; it’s a commitment to the health and well-being of every resident.
With groundbreaking scheduled for later this year, the Yonkers community can look forward to a future where emergency care is not only prompt and high-quality but also comfortable, private, and tailored to individual needs. St. John’s Riverside Hospital is not just expanding its facilities; it is keeping our Community Strong.
