New emergency room unit will include 33-percent more patient beds, as well as faster and easier access for patients
SUN CITY, Ariz. (March 28, 2018) – Banner Health’s board of directors has approved a $60.4 million construction project on the campus of Banner Boswell Medical Center that will create a new 40,000-square-foot emergency department (ED), providing 33-percent more patient beds and faster, easier access for patients.
In addition to a new ED, the project will renovate and convert the current 17,000-square-foot ED into a new unit for patients requiring short-term observation.
“This project was truly designed to make health care easier, so life can be better,” said Banner Boswell CEO Debbie Flores. “This new ED will have ground floor access, allowing easier and less confusing access for patients and ambulances, and an interior layout that will better accommodate the movement and care needs of our senior population. New triage rooms and more treatment areas will reduce waiting times and accommodate our current and projected volumes.”
The completed project will further position Banner Boswell for the future by:
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Creating a shelled space for future build-out of a new cardiac catheterization lab
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Constructing a structural foundation under the new ED to allow for a future patient tower to be built partially on top of it.
“Sun Health is proud to be the exclusive fundraising arm of Banner Boswell Medical Center,” said Sun Health Interim President and CEO Sharon Grambow. “Our roots began with the community support that built Banner Boswell Medical Center, and we look forward to playing a significant role in the future growth of the campus so it can serve Sun City and West Valley residents for many years to come.”
Banner Boswell’s existing ED often runs at or near capacity, leading to longer wait times for less urgent patients. The new ED will increase the number of beds by a third—from 42 to 56—allowing the hospital to care for up to 60,000 ED patients annually. The current ED was built to handle up to 45,000 patients annually.
The new facility will also feature distinct and separate entrances for walk-in patients and ambulances, different from the current layout, which has these two entrances in close proximity.
Construction planning has been underway and site preparation will be commencing soon. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2020, coinciding with the hospital’s 50th anniversary.
About Banner Boswell Medical Center
Banner Boswell Medical Center in Sun City, Arizona, specializes in heart care, cancer care, orthopedic surgery, physical rehabilitation, stroke care, skilled nursing and emergency care. Banner Boswell is part of Banner Health, a nonprofit healthcare system with 28 hospitals in six states. Banner Boswell’s high-performing team has achieved many recognitions including five Top 100 Hospital awards and eight Top 50 Cardiovascular awards from Truven Health Analytics. For more information, visit www.BannerHealth.com/Boswell.
About Sun Health Foundation
For 50 years, Sun Health’s mission has been to champion healthy living in the West Valley. Sun Health Foundation is proud to serve as the exclusive fundraising arm of Banner Boswell Medical Center, Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center, and the Banner Sun Health Research Institute. Our partnership provides West Valley residents with the very best in medical care and community wellness programs to serve your needs, now and in the future. Learn more at www.sunhealthfoundation.org.