More than an Emergency Department: Reflections on the new George E. Wahlen VA Salt Lake City Medical Center Emergency Department
By Nathan Murray
I relish a good challenge. The kind that seems to present unsurmountable complexity and odds mixed with a high level of difficulty. But also where there is a lofty vision and belief to create something amazing that didn’t exist before—something that can make a real difference for people.
We found such a prospect in creating a new ER for the VA Salt Lake Medical Center. Anyone that does work within the VA knows that though very well-intentioned, there is perhaps no organization more cumbersome to navigate and slow to move in government than the Veterans Administration Healthcare System. Meaningful change and progress happen literally by Acts of Congress. It is not for the faint of heart nor the short on fortitude. One wonders how things actually get accomplished. Then you peek further inside and see the dedicated people making real care and healing happen every day within. One can’t help but be inspired and join the cause to make things better.
Enter Doctor John Gezon, a 50+ year veteran physician of emergency medicine and director of the ER. He with his visionary colleagues set about twenty years ago to imagine a new Urgent and Emergent Care Center that would embrace and enable caregivers to operate at their highest levels within a collegial team setting. A new Center would be brought close to advanced Imaging modalities where for many decades they existed a significant distance apart. It would provide for the full spectrum—from lesser acuity Fast Track cases to full on Traumas brought in by ambulance. It would provide sensitivity for increasing behavioral health visits, zoned such that patients would go no farther into the center than what was needed. It would have its own highly accessible walk-in Entry and adjacent parking. The full caregiver teams would be brought together in a combined work zone to facilitate optimal collaboration and care.
The design Team expanded on the vision, presenting the possibility of bringing plentiful daylight and inspiring views to the mountains where none existed before. An efficient layout was conceived that increased caregiver time with patients by shortening walking distances between work & support zones to patient rooms. Unobtrusive lighting highlights pathways and feature walls, guiding patients and care teams on their way. Touchpoints along the patient path such as guest waiting, reception desk, nurse stations, doorways, and cabinetry are rendered in the warmth of wood. Artwork is incorporated into the headwalls.
The elements, functions, and forms combine in an alchemy of art & science to create an inspiring and soothing place for Veterans to receive care. And for those who’ve chosen the care of people as their life’s work, they are met with an environment that honors and supports them in doing their best. I am grateful to be a part of such fine people—people who dared to envision something not only better, but amazing. The fulfillment of seeing the Center open and running after all these years is a gift. Doctor Gezon did not live long enough to stand with us at its grand opening. But his visionary team in attendance acknowledged his presence. Thank you everyone, we not only made it possible, made it great!