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Added on Nov 15, 2008 | Filed Under: General News

KENNER, LA- On Saturday, November 15, from 1pm - 3pm, residents of Kenner and the surrounding communities are invited to Ochsner Medical Center - Kenner, 180 West Esplanade Ave., for the unveiling of its newly-renovated Emergency Room (ER). A ribbon cutting will be held at 1:30pm with Mayor Edmond Muniz, Kenner Police Chief Steve Caraway, Fire Chief John Hellmers, Kenner Councilman Ben Zahn, and Jefferson Parish Councilmen Elton Lagasse and Chris Roberts. This is a free community event and is OPEN to the public. "We're excited to unveil our latest additions here at OMC - Kenner with the renovations to our entire Emergency Department," said Ochsner Medical Center - Kenner Chief Executive Officer Paolo Zambito. "The combination of renovations and upgrades in the ER ensures our ability to deliver high quality emergency care to the entire family." OMC-K's ER received a complete face-lift to its waiting room, treatment rooms, and physician offices. With 14 treatment rooms and the upgrades to the physical layout of the ER, patients can now expect a decrease in the average wait time from arrival to physician evaluation from 55 minutes to 35 minutes. The new layout and service upgrades also enhance the department's ability to deliver faster care to every patient. This is demonstrated by a decrease in patients who leave the ER without service from seven percent to 1.5 percent. "All patients receive a rapid assessment upon arrival, and depending on the severity of their initial assessment, the triage nurse will route them to an acute care bed where they are immediately evaluated by a physician or taken to the designated "Q-track" area," says Jim House, RN, Director of Emergency Services at OMC-Kenner. The "Q-track" was developed to see more patients in less time and is designed for patients who aren't critical. "Additionally, there is a new test results area for patients seen in the "Q-track" who require further testing. This upgrade allows for the triage nurse to place new patients in evaluation, while others wait for results," House explains. The physician and nursing staff of OMC-K are trained to care for all patient cases, from infants to the elderly. The City of Kenner Fire and Police Departments will participate in the festivities on Saturday, with hands-on activities for all ages, including: a "smokehouse" to demonstrate how to escape a fire, a fire engine, the Kenner Police Department Command Center, a Rescue Truck and a Canine Officer. Acadian Ambulance Service will have an ambulance and a helicopter on site for families to explore. Hamburgers, hot dogs, drinks, cookies, giveaways, music and more will be provided by the OMC-K staff. Children and teens can enjoy pumpkin picking and decorating. Entertainment will be provided by Ochsner Medical Center - Kenner's "OK Band." For more information, call 504-464-8600.

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