Up and Running
Kapi ‘ olani Medical Center ’ s New Emergency Department
“ WORKING IN THE NEW EMER- GENCY DEPARTMENT has been like a dream for me and for the entire emergency team ,” Dr . Paul Eakin said . He certainly has great perspective . Dr . Eakin has been with the Kapi ‘ olani Medical Center for Women & Children for 15 years , and now serves as division head for Pediatric Emergency Medicine . It ’ s been a significant expansion . The inspiring work space is 14,000 square feet , which is twice as large as before . Its new location in the Diamond Head Tower means the department is right next to the parking garage and has allowed for eight extra rooms , for a total of 24 private rooms . “ It is the fruition of
years of effort , planning and hard work . To be able to care for patients in a more private and comfortable environment has been so fulfilling ,” Dr . Eakin said .
Kapi ‘ olani is also seeing an increase in patient visits since the new emergency department opened in December . And patients are experiencing quicker , more convenient access to family-centered care . A new satellite imaging department within the emergency department also means patients won ’ t have to wait for x-rays . Larger patient rooms also allow for in-room ultrasounds , eliminating the need to move people to the radiology department . All of this means family members can be in their loved one ’ s room if necessary and more tests are easily available . As the only medical center in the Pacific to hold a Level III pediatric trauma center designation , Kapi ‘ olani is critical to the health and well-being of our keiki .
A design feature that is both aesthetically pleasing as well as functionally
innovative is transparency doors . “ These doors have been a really popular feature , especially for the younger patients who think that it is ‘ magic ’ as they watch the glass switch from clear to opaque and back ,” Dr . Eakin said . “ Of course it also offers improved privacy and gives us the option to see a patient in the room clearly with the door closed . Overall , the rooms are fantastic — bigger , all private and there is plenty of entertainment to enjoy on the televisions that the kids and parents appreciate .”
Kapi ‘ olani ’ s new emergency department has made an instant impact on patients , pediatric and adult , and the staff , including Dr . Eakin . “ Personally , I look forward to working each shift in the ED and I am sure I will do so for years to come .”
Above : Photos of the newly expanded emergency department . Enhancements include transparency doors for patient rooms ( upper left ) and an upgraded nurses ’ station ( bottom left ) that is central to patient care .
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