Jackson South Community Hospital unveiled its new emergency room (ER) during a grand opening celebration on Thursday evening, Nov. 18.
After the ribbon cutting ceremony, members of the Jackson Health team, civic leaders, elected officials and community members toured Miami-Dade County’s newest state-of-the-art ER.
The new ER opened to the public on Nov. 22 and is now better equipped to meet the expanding healthcare needs of residents in south Miami-Dade County, noted hospital administrators. Construction on the ER, which is being done in two phases, began in May 2009 and is part of a larger expansion project that will add 167,000 square feet to the existing hospital, doubling its size. The $102 million project is being funded by Miami-Dade County General Obligation Bonds passed by voters in 2005.
The ERs first phase features 22 new private beds, nurse station, specialized medication room and dictation room for physicians. During Phase Two of the ER construction process, the existing ER and surrounding area will be renovated to include a minor care/fast track area, new waiting room and triage area. This phase is expected to open in February 2011.
The harmonious aspects of the Everglades are featured in the new facility at Jackson South as part of the Miami-Dade County Art in Public Places program, made possible with the support of the Miami-Dade County Mayor and County Commission.
Rosy Cancela, former member of the board of trustees of the Public Health Trust, explained that the Everglades theme was conceived and brought to life by Cuban-born artist Leonel Matheu. The first floor symbolizes the floor bed of the Everglades, or “River of Grass.” The second floor of the new tower that will open in February will incorporate a water theme and the third floor will feature yellows and orange hues symbolizing the flowers that grow in the Everglades.
“Thank you for your wonderful work to beautify this project,” Cancela said to Matheu at the event. “It was important to us to make this facility attractive for the patients who come here and for those who come here day in and day out, the Jackson South staff.”
Dr. Eneida Roldan, president and CEO of Jackson Health System, praised the Jackson South team for maintaining an excellent level of care during the process, as reflected in the hospital’s excellent patient satisfaction scores.
Ric Cuming, EdD, vice president and chief administrative officer of Jackson South, and John H. Copeland III, chair of the Public Health Trust Board of Trustees, also addressed attendees.
The event was attended by newly elected Miami-Dade County Commissioner for District 8, Linda Bell, and City of West Miami Mayor Eduardo Mihiña, who offered the hospital his best wishes during a proclamation.
“Jackson South’s new emergency room shows our commitment to the people of south Miami-Dade,” Dr. Roldan concluded. “The new ER is a beautiful facility, where we will continue to provide the high quality medical care Jackson is known for.”
Jackson South Community Hospital is located at 9333 SW 152 St. For more information, visit online at www.jhsmiami.org.
