Trinitas Regional Medical Center is a long-time friend of the Orthodox community in Elizabeth and neighboring communities, including Newark Liberty International Airport. People involved in 911 calls to the Elizabeth EMS department and EMS emergency responses are transported to the Trinitas Emergency Department for care. Trinitas is currently engaged in a major capital campaign focused on updating and expanding their very busy emergency department. On “Giving Tuesday,” following the traditional American Thanksgiving celebration, Trinitas presented a lobby display and campaign “push” to bring their fund-raising efforts closer to a successful conclusion. They have been fortunate to have a matching donor in the JB Kellogg Foundation, and are in the home stretch with four million dollars remaining to meet an $18.7 million budget that will fulfill the costs of making this essential upgrade and expansion to the emergency department happen.
Trinitas President/CEO Gary S. Horan, FACHE, pointed out that the expansion and facility enhancements are vital to patient care in Elizabeth and its surrounding communities. “As a primary healthcare provider in the Central Jersey region, Trinitas has long been committed to the needs of the communities it serves. In the past 15 years, we have seen more than ever that residents rely on us to care for them in the face of medical emergencies. With the expansion’s expected completion in 2017, we’ll be better able to continue to offer the highest level of patient care possible.”
For the Orthodox community, which is within walking distance for many families when Shabbat and holidays come into play, a state-of-the-art emergency room is an essential component of the community. Trinitas has risen to meet the special needs of the Orthodox community with their Shabbat hospitality room on the sixth floor. Nadine Brechner, Vice President and Chief Development Officer is proud of this important amenity. She explains that the Trinitas staff truly understands the needs of family and friends who must be in the hospital setting during a Sabbath or holiday, and the conditions that define this time for Orthodox visitors and patients.
The Bikur Cholim hospitality room is a joint project with Chesed 24/7 headquartered in Spring Valley, NY. It is secured at all times, and is accessible via a non-electronic combination punch lock that meets halachic requirements for Sabbath. Inside are a couch, table and chairs, and a bookshelf stocked with several options of siddurim and other Jewish-related books. There is a kitchenette stocked with kosher snacks, water, coffee, tea and soft drinks, in addition to canned goods, kosher microwaveable meals, meat and dairy microwaves ovens, and disposable dining materials. The refrigerator is stocked with Cholov Yisroel milk, yogurt and other perishables. There is no charge for using the room, or partaking of the food or drinks inside. There is also a Shabbat food warmer for those who bring their own food on a Shabbat or Yom Tov. Visitors can make donations to Chesed 24/7 by taking a pre-addressed envelope from inside the room.
Part of the important upgrade has been the addition of a new CT scanner that is located closer to the emergency department. With state-of-the-art technology, the 128-slice CT scanner delivers less radiation per study, decreases the amount of contrast administered intravenously, and performs faster scanning that results in more rapid generation of images for radiologist access and review. All of these improvements translate into reduced treatment time, which then reduces patient anxiety and stress in the emergency setting. Dr. Eugene Kennedy MD, Chairman, Department of Radiology, explains, “The greater accessibility of the new CT scanner means that our Emergency Department physicians will be able to treat our patients more efficiently and effectively. The installation of the scanner is the first step toward making the vision of the new Emergency Department a reality.”
John D’Angelo, DO, Chairman of Emergency Medicine, added that an aging population is a key cause for a higher number of emergency visits. “With a population that is growing older, we see more cardiac and stroke cases due to age-related factors.” The new Emergency Department will have a total of 45 treatment rooms, up from its current 28, and separate treatment areas for families, children and seniors. With four million dollars yet to raise, two million of which will be matched by Kellogg, Trinitas looks to the communities it serves to step up and help bring this campaign home. For information or to donate, contact them at www TrinitasRMC.org, or call 908-994-8249.
By Ellie Wolf
