The New Caroline Kimmel Emergency Department Will Improve Lives

It is being called a “game changer” that will improve the lives of both patients and the medical professionals that care for them.

The transformation of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital’s Center City emergency department, being made possible in part by a generous gift by longtime Jefferson benefactors Sidney and Caroline Kimmel, will consist of new and renovated facilities, including additional and redesigned treatment bays, expanded entrances, and updated waiting areas. Construction is slated to begin in the fall.

“This initiative reflects our dedication to advancing health care for the communities we serve,” said Baligh R. Yehia, MD, MPP, MSc, FACP, president of Jefferson Health. “These upgrades are just the beginning of our long-term vision to redefine what accessible, patient-centered healthcare looks like in our region.”

“The Caroline Kimmel Emergency Department is going to be a game changer in terms of the standard of care we can give our patients,” says Yvette Calderon, MD, professor and chair of the Emergency Medicine at Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University. “The new design will create a more efficient flow throughout the emergency department, decrease the amount of time patients are waiting to be seen, and increase the level of care that is provided.”

Eight new treatment bays will enable the medical staff to see about 15% more patients per day, according to Alan Cherney, MD, assistant professor of emergency medicine. In addition, the expanded waiting room areas will create more triage space, as well as a more comfortable place for patients and their loved ones.

Julie Donnelly, RN, associate chief nursing officer at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, says “The redesigned department will help the nursing staff better care for patients during what can be a stressful time. The updated hallway configuration will ease the flow from waiting room to bays.”

Rebecca Urban, vice president of operations for the ED, says the staff provided input for the design. Aside from reconfiguring hallways and entrances and exits, the team has discussed making the ED more comfortable for neurodivergent patients by taking into consideration the materials being used for furnishings in the area and adjusting the lighting.

“When you’re sitting in the ED, or maybe lying in a stretcher in the hallway for hours… the lights are bright, and it’s hard to get a good night’s sleep,” Urban says, noting that adjusting the environment will create a calmer atmosphere.

Calderon, who recently became the chair of the department, says she feels fortunate to be a part of the new ED, and is deeply grateful to Sidney and Caroline Kimmel for the gift.

“This gift will make a profound impact on patient care,” she says. “Donors like Mr. and Mrs. Kimmel who are willing to provide generous gifts enable us to provide care for the most vulnerable patients in the area. More than that, philanthropy allows us to grow as an organization, make the improvements we need, and continue to serve the community.”