Workers were putting the finishing touches on the new Emergency Room and Patient Care Center at Highline Medical Center in Burien on April 8th during a media walking tour. The contrast from the current cramped and outdated Emergency Room was dramatic. The new ER opens officially April 13th. Emergency Dr. Sue O'Brien provided the explanations of what the new facilities will offer including:
• 32 large, private treatment rooms with space for family members to stay with the patient, each room universally equipped to handle any emergency
• Three rooms where patients can be triaged and taken directly to a private treatment room with admitting handled at bedside
• Triage and admitting areas designed to offer privacy and to protect the confidentiality of patient information
• Two large adjoining trauma rooms with state-of-the-art equipment on moveable, overhead systems
• Three nurses’ stations placed throughout the ER for more efficient patient monitoring
• A private room for consultations and family meetings
• A separate family waiting area to create a more comfortable environment for kids and adults alike
• Dedicated, state-of-the-art “hazmat” decontamination room for disasters with separate, exterior entrance
• Nine rapid treatment rooms designed for patients with non-life threatening injuries or conditions
• Dedicated ambulance entrance, with pull-through bay and parking for up to nine vehicles
• Dedicated Emergency Medical Service (EMS) charting room
• Convenient free parking and easy drop-off enhance access to care
• Sound-proofing throughout

The new facilities will also be equipped with state of the art medical equipment as well including:
• Fully integrated diagnostic imaging within the ER featuring a new 64-channel CT system to provide more detailed images faster doing so with less radiation exposure than conventional CT scanners.
• Mobile diagnostic imaging systems that travel to the patient’s room
• Efficient electronic medical records available both at bedside and patient registration
• Mobile workstations that travel throughout the facility
• Handheld wireless “tablet” computers for anytime, anywhere physician access to patient charts
• Communication is enhanced by the electronic patient tracking system that lets staff easily monitor how long the patient has been in the ER and the status of diagnostic tests

Public Event Program

The new Emergency Room facilities and Patient Care Unit will be open from 10 am to 3 pm on Saturday, April 10 for self-guided tours and a health and safety fair , displays from Pacific Science Center, Rural Metro, Burien Fire Department, Ambulance, Senior Services, Highline Therapy and Imaging Services, among others. Three will also be screenings for cholesterol, blood pressure and skin cancer along with acupressure demonstrations and mini-massages.

In addition, 150 kids’ bike helmets will be given free and will be personally fitted for safety and free children’s ID kits will also be distributed-- both while supplies last. And, Grand Goodeve will announce the winners of the Kidz Tipz for Safety contest that was conducted in partnership with Highline Public Schools.

Schedule of Public Events

Health and fitness expert Bob Harper of TV’s The Biggest Loser headlines this exciting event with his dynamic presentation “Taking Charge” and his book will be available for purchase and signing. Grant Goodeve of Northwest Backroads will be there, too, as emcee and to share his passion for bicycle safety. And the Pacific Science Center will delight and amaze those attending at two “SENSE-ational” shows.

10 am Pacific Science Center presents “SENSE-ational” an entertaining exploration of your senses and how we perceive the world around us.
11 am “Are You Ready?” Celebrity trainer Bob Harper, from The Biggest Loser speaks on finding the motivation to get fit.
Noon Bob Harper signs his book, Are You Ready! Take Charge, Lose Weight and Change Your Life Forever. A limited supply of copies will be available for purchase.
12:30 pm Kidz Tipz for Safety Billboard Contest Winners announced by Grant Goodeve.
1 pm “Use Your Head.” Grant Goodeve from Northwest Backroads shares his story of a parent’s worst nightmare.
1:30 pm Pacific Science Center presents “SENSE-ational”