Remodeled Facility Provides Space, Privacy and Quality Care
The newly remodeled area at the Emergency Department at ThedaCare Medical Center-New London is now open. “As I have given tours to individuals interested in seeing the new space, one of the things that they are most impressed with is that there is a dedicated space, for family and friends of patients, to go during those emotional or traumatic events,” said Brian VanDenLangenberg, supervisor of Emergency Care, Cardiopulmonary and Cardiac Rehab Services, Outpatient Department and Specialty Clinic.
Previously, individuals went back into the main waiting room or were shown to the chapel, which is approximately 100 feet from the emergency department. “This new space allows for confidentiality, especially in a small community where you know many of the people coming through the doors, and a place to be that is close to their loved ones, but allows for family to have private conversations or to make other arrangements,” said VanDenLangenberg.
Emergency needs in the area have grown, making it imperative to update the space. “Critical access hospitals, like ours in New London, are the lifeblood of rural communities,” said Heather Stern, director of ThedaCare Foundation-New London. “Whether you are walking through the doors with a broken bone, chest pains or something worse, it is vital you know you are in good hands and have the best experience possible.”
ThedaCare Foundation- New London, the philanthropic arm of the New London Medical Campus, launched the TogethER Campaign in 2015 to create an environment that improves the Emergency Department experience. The campaign was focused on safety, privacy, comfort and accessibility. This past summer the Foundation completed the campaign raising over $615,000 for the project. “The Foundation is thrilled to open the new space that will impact patients and their families for many years to come,” said Stern. “The project created a more welcoming environment where you and your loved ones can receive the best possible care in a stressful time in your life.”
The remodel includes:
- New registration area that gives patients more privacy
- Design changes that enhance safety and allows staff to reach patients faster
- A larger waiting room that is more comfortable and welcoming
- Adding a private trauma waiting space for those dealing with difficult situations
- Relocation of restrooms to make them more accessible
“ThedaCare Foundation- New London is committed to creating exceptional healthcare experiences for the communities we serve and we are so grateful to all the donors who came together to help us complete this commitment to the future,” said Stern. “We are honored to be part of something that will enhance the lives of so many.”
For more than 100 years, ThedaCare™ has been committed to finding a better way to deliver serious and complex healthcare to patients throughout Northeast Wisconsin. The organization serves over 200,000 patients annually and employs more than 6,700 healthcare professionals throughout the region. ThedaCare has seven hospitals located in Appleton, Neenah, Berlin, Waupaca, Shawano, New London and Wild Rose as well as 32 clinics in nine counties. ThedaCare is the first in Wisconsin to be a Mayo Clinic Care Network Member, giving our specialists the ability to consult with Mayo Clinic experts on a patient’s care. ThedaCare is a non-profit healthcare organization with a level II trauma center, comprehensive cancer treatment, stroke and cardiac programs as well as a foundation dedicated to community service. ThedaCare Regional Cancer Center in Appleton opened in February 2016. For more information, visit www.thedacare.org or follow ThedaCare on Facebook and Twitter.
