News release from Lutheran Health Network:
Fort Wayne’s Newest ER to open Oct. 11th
Ribbon cutting ceremony at Lutheran ER Statewood planned for Thursday(October 4, 2016) – The wait is over for a first-of-its-kind emergency department in Fort Wayne that strives to deliver quick, convenient access to 24/7 care at a freestanding location. Officials from Lutheran Health Network today announced Lutheran ER Statewood will open at 7 a.m. on Oct. 11. Lutheran ER Statewood is located at the northwest corner of Coliseum and State boulevards in Statewood Plaza.
To help usher in the arrival of Fort Wayne’s newest ER, a ribbon cutting will take place at 3:15 p.m. Thursday. The general public will get its first chance to preview Lutheran ER Statewood at a neighborhood open house on Saturday between 9 and 11:30 a.m.
“We are excited to reach the completion of this project because of the support we’ve received from all the individuals and organizations who have worked with us to bring new emergency services to the area,” said Brian Bauer, chief executive officer, Lutheran Health Network. “The development of this facility is our acknowledgement that patients prefer to receive quality healthcare delivered on their terms – efficiently and conveniently.”
Lutheran ER Statewood will include experienced, board-certified ER physicians and ER-trained nurses; 24/7 imaging services including digital X-ray, CT and ultrasound; 24/7 lab services and access to Lutheran Health Network’s full spectrum of care. A Lutheran EMS unit will also be positioned around the clock for the rapid transport of patients deemed to be in need of hospitalization. An ambulance bay is equipped to accommodate Lutheran and independent EMS units.
“A vibrant community like Fort Wayne is greatly influenced by organizations that are willing to break from the norm to meet the rapidly changing needs and expectations of our residents,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Any time you can point to job growth, innovative delivery of services and expanded options, there’s good reason to be excited. This project meets that description.”
The 8,911-square-foot Lutheran ER Statewood project involved the renovation of 5,380 square feet of vacant space at 3929 E. State Blvd., and 3,531 square feet of new construction built out toward Coliseum. The emergency department includes a large triage room, five general treatment rooms, a major exam room, an airborne isolation room and a decontamination area with secured, direct access to and from the outside of the facility. The total investment for this project is approximately $10 million including equipment, furnishings and a long-term lease.
The site at the intersection of Coliseum and State was chosen based on the easy access it provides for area residents and businesses. Thousands of patients in the adjoining zip codes already seek care at other LHN ERs in Allen County each year. The new ER will bring the services closer to where these individuals live and work, which LHN believes will enhance convenience and safety.
Architecture and design services for Lutheran ER Statewood were handled by MKM architecture + design. The general contractor was Weigand Construction.
This is just the latest in a series of Lutheran Health Network projects to expand services for patients in eastern Fort Wayne and Allen County. That list includes the addition of Lutheran Health Plaza in New Haven in 2010 and the move of 10 St. Joseph Medical Group physicians in mid-2014 from various locations to 2622 Lake Ave., which is just three minutes from Statewood Plaza. St. Joseph Medical Group offices on Lake Avenue include specialists in the fields of family medicine, gastroenterology, internal medicine and pediatrics. Imaging and laboratory services are also available at that campus.