The University of Iowa Health Care Emergency Department, one of the busiest in the state, is undergoing an expansion to better accommodate its high demand. The project is now halfway complete, according to an announcement from UI Health Care on Monday.
“In an emergency situation, Iowans with complex care needs often require UI Health Care’s high level of coordination and expertise,” said UI Vice President for Medical Affairs Denise Jamieson, in the news release. “Our goal is to improve access, so that no matter where you go first for emergency care treatment, we can help you get the right care at the right time.”
The expansion project will add 13 new treatment rooms, multifunctional spaces to increase the department’s capacity to treat patients in crisis, and new triage spaces dedicated to pediatric and behavioral health emergencies. Upon completion, the department will have nearly 60 beds. This expansion is part of broader efforts to reduce wait times and improve the ability to meet Iowans’ critical care needs, the release stated.
The project consists of two phases: Phase 1, the south expansion, which will relocate the adult Crisis Stabilization Unit from the John Pappajohn Pavilion to the Emergency Department and create space for a pediatric Crisis Stabilization Unit.
Phase 2, the north expansion, is scheduled to begin after Phase 1 completes this fall, and will create a new, expanded pediatric emergency space with a dedicated waiting room. The entire project is expected to be completed by the summer of 2025.
“Whether a patient is transferred to the Emergency Department for critical care or they choose to come to the university campus first, these additional spaces will increase access to UI Health Care and our ability to accept patients and to render quality care efficiently,” said Andrew Nugent, chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at UI Health Care, in the release.
The expansion, along with improved triage at the downtown campus and the addition of an emergency department at the North Liberty campus, aims to provide greater convenience for Iowans who need emergency care, the release stated.
Improving access to emergency care
- Downtown campus Emergency Department: increased triage and enhanced imaging capabilities
- North Liberty campus Emergency Department (opening summer 2025)
- University campus Emergency Department expansion (scheduled for completion in summer 2025)
- Ongoing patient education on when to use urgent care vs. an emergency department
“Increasing access to more timely emergency care requires a multi-faceted approach, and expanding the university campus’ Emergency Department is only one piece of the puzzle,” Nugent said.
UI Health Care is also working to educate patients on their emergency care options, particularly with the new access points being added.
“Right now, the Emergency Department at the downtown campus is open and providing excellent, high-quality emergency care, and wait times are much lower,” Nugent said. “It’s important that we help patients remember their options so they can make more informed decisions on where to go for emergency care.”
Patients can find emergency care options and wait times on uihc.org.
