In Bronx-Lebanon’s Emergency Room, we see some of the most dramatic examples of the hospital team in action. “We have an expert and highly experienced ER staff that knows how to respond to any crisis,” stated Dr. John Coffey, Chairman, Emergency Medicine. “What is most important, is that our ER saves lives and is helping patients overcome all types of emergencies,” added Dr. Suzanne Echemendia-Wirth, Attending ER Physician.

In 2006, the ER responded to more than 126,000 visits, a number that is projected to significantly increase as a direct result of the Emergency Department’s recently completed renovation. The ER now includes state-of-the-art trauma, treatment, and isolation rooms; a separate fully-equipped Pediatric ER; new FastTrack and Asthma areas for children and adults; expanded nursing stations; registration/visitor waiting areas; and new ambulance and walk-in entrances. Additionally, the ER is fully computerized, an important benefit in monitoring and tracking patients through the health care system.

Plans for future growth include additional ER stations and expanded waiting areas, with separate playrooms for children.

Recently, Dr. Roy M. Vega, a highly experienced and renowned pediatrician and ER physician, joined Dr. Coffey’s team as Director of the Pediatric Emergency Department. His priorities include reducing waiting time, and increasing patient flow, particularly to the pediatric inpatient units and outpatient network of BronxCare practices. Dr. Vega and his team of physicians, nurses, and support staff are specially trained in Emergency Medicine.

They are compassionate and caring, and know how to diagnose and treat all types of problems, from minor injuries to serious illnesses. “Families in the Bronx can take comfort in knowing that their children will receive superior, high quality pediatric emergency care at Bronx-Lebanon,” stated Dr. Vega. As busy as the ER can become, its staff makes every effort to attend to the individual needs of their adult and pediatric patients.

The follow-up office is perhaps the most community-driven program. This “safety net” serves as a liaison between the Emergency Department, the patients, and the hospital’s BronxCare Network of outpatient practices, as well as its physicians and specialty services.

Additionally, the Emergency Department, in conjunction with the Division of Cardiology, has developed a short stay Chest Pain Unit to focus on issues of cardiac care. This, along with Bronx-Lebanon’s 911 designation as a Stroke Center, will continue to advance the goal of providing the highest quality cardiovascular care.

“We are fully committed to providing the best and most compassionate emergency care for our pediatric, as well as our adult patients, their families, and the community, further reinforcing our position as one of the premier ERs in New York City,” stated Dr. Coffey.