University Health System evaluating plans to address emergency & crisis care
-Top priority is assuring immediate life-saving care for critically injured patients-
San Antonio (November 28, 2007) - When it comes to caring for people critically injured
in automobile crashes and other traumatic incidents, it's not just about getting the injured to any
hospital. Complex injuries require the type of specialized care available only at Level I trauma
centers. There are just 13 Level I trauma centers in all of Texas, and the Level I Trauma Center
at San Antonio's University Hospital - last expanded about 25 years ago - is too small to keep
up with today's demand for service. It's also not at all prepared to handle the future needs of
South Texas' growing population, or a large-scale disaster.
In an effort to "right size" University Hospital and provide the appropriate mix of diagnostic and
treatment services at the hospital, as well as at its large downtown clinic, the University Health
Center - Downtown, the University Health System Board of Managers is considering proposed
options to construct a Trauma Tower at University Hospital and a new Urgent Care building
downtown.
"Assuring that we are able to care for those most in need of our services, in the most appropriate
healthcare location is our highest priority," said board chair Dr. Robert L. Jimenez, as the Board
of Managers discussed proposed recommendations at its Nov. 27 meeting. "Accomplishing this
goal in the best interests of our patients, as well as all Bexar County taxpayers, has been our
focus from day one of this lengthy process," added board member Alex Briseno. "We never can
know when our life, or that of a loved one, might depend on the University Hospital trauma
team, so ensuring they are equipped with the resources they need to save lives is an excellent
investment for our community."
Following this evaluation process, the Board of Managers will present recommendations to
Bexar County Commissioners Court for approval. "It's important to assure Commissioners that
this is a needs-driven proposition," said Robert Engberg, chair of the board's budget and finance
committee. "We need it because it's obsolete. We need it because of growth."
Board members have already identified Phase I priorities for both campuses. The four urgent
projects for University Hospital include:
- Emergency Center expansion
- Additional inpatient rooms & replacement of many existing adult rooms in the oldest part
of the hospital, which opened in 1968
- Appropriately sizing diagnostic and treatment areas
- Constructing more parking for patients and staff
Priorities for the University Health Center - Downtown (formerly the Robert B. Green Hospital,
constructed in 1915) include expanding:
- Acute and crisis care services
- Diagnostic imaging
- Pharmacy services
- Parking
The total project costs estimates for Phase I priorities under consideration for both campuses are
in the range of $650 to $700 million. The major components and cost estimates (in millions $)
include:
- New Trauma Tower with Expanded
Emergency Center
& Surgical Capacity
|
$ 519 |
- University Health Center Downtown
|
$ 80 |
- Central Utility Plant for University Hospital
|
$ 54 |
- New Parking Garage at University Hospital
|
$ 42 |
Total project costs could be less, depending on the outcomes of a series of management
initiatives, which include working with The UT Health Science Center at San
Antonio to construct a parking garage on a section of its property adjacent to University Hospital
and explorations by University Health System and CPS Energy on the feasibility of constructing
of a state-of-the-art Cogeneration energy plant. Cogeneration harnesses steam and heat, which
would otherwise be discarded as waste, and redirects it to create energy for heating and cooling.
Total project costs could be less, depending on the outcomes of a series of management
initiatives, which include working with The UT Health Science Center at San
Antonio to construct a parking garage on a section of its property adjacent to University Hospital
and explorations by University Health System and CPS Energy on the feasibility of constructing
of a state-of-the-art Cogeneration energy plant. Cogeneration harnesses steam and heat, which
would otherwise be discarded as waste, and redirects it to create energy for heating and cooling.
University Health System currently has about $100 million available in cash reserves to fund
portions of this project, and is working with financial advisors to develop a combination of
financial options.
Phase I includes replacing 283 beds in the 1968 tower and adding 140-210 beds in the new
Trauma Tower. "There is no doubt we need to address the community's needs, particularly in the
areas of emergency services and trauma care," said chair of the board's planning and operations
committee Ira Smith, as the hospital is currently experiencing severe overcrowding and lengthy
emergency room wait times.
The University Health System Board of Managers plans to update Bexar County Commissioners
on its progress and present initial plans on Dec. 18.
University Health System is the public hospital district for Bexar County, Texas and, in partnership with The
UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, is a nationally recognized academic medical center.
Facilities include University Hospital, the primary teaching hospital for the UT Health Science Center. Currently
operating 400 beds, University Hospital is the lead Level I Trauma Center for 22 South Texas counties. Six
community clinics provide outpatient primary and specialty care.
University Health System is a joint owner of San Antonio AirLIFE, one of the nation's most recognized emergency air
medical transport services, and a sponsor of the Center for Health Care Services.
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