Thanks to philanthropic support, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Milton has made tremendous strides in transforming the hospital’s care environments as part of its Everyday Exceptional campaign. However, to meet the continuously evolving needs of the community, there is still critical work to be done. Building on the campaign’s early success, the hospital is now embarking on the campaign’s second phase, focused on the much-needed expansion of the Emergency Department (ED).
The need for accessible, high-quality care has never been greater than it is today, a particularly pivotal moment in BID Milton’s history. Over the last decade—partly due to local hospitals closing—BID Milton has seen a significant increase in the number of both ED patients and inpatients. The ED, which was originally built to serve up to 26,000 patients, now sees 40,000 per year. The increase in ED patient visits and acuity has driven a 50 percent increase in inpatient volume. With the recent closure of Carney Hospital in Dorchester, these numbers are expected to continue rising rapidly.
While BID Milton is proud to be a reliable care destination for so many, the uptick in ED visits also presents new challenges. The expansion will provide greater flexibility and add significant capacity to meet the needs of acutely ill patients. Notably, the campaign will increase the number of ED rooms by nearly 100 percent and create observation spaces for patients who require a short stay in the hospital but do not need to be admitted. These improvements will help to decrease wait times and enhance the experience for both patients and their families.
The expansion will also have a meaningful impact on providers. “Modernizing our spaces and technology will enable our teams to operate more efficiently and seamlessly, making it easier for them to do their jobs and provide the best possible care to our patients,” says Richard Fernandez, President of BID Milton. Renovations will include updated nurses’ stations and areas where staff can rest and recharge, creating a more pleasant and effective work environment for the hospital’s dedicated staff.
The Everyday Exceptional campaign has already had a tangible impact on patients at BID Milton, and we are excited to embark on this next phase. Philanthropy will be vital to realizing our vision of an expanded, state-of-the-art ED. We look forward to coming together as a community to enhance access to critical lifesaving care for all who need it.
For more information or to make a gift, reach out to David Hyman at (617) 313-1194 or by email.