Newport Hospital cuts ribbon on renovated emergency department

A RIBBON-CUTTING ceremony was held recently to celebrate the expanded and renovated emergency department at Newport Hospital. From left: Norey Dotterer Cullen, chair of the Newport Hospital Foundation board of trustees; Crista Durand, president of Newport Hospital; Peter Capodilupo, vice chair of Lifespan’s board of directors; Hope “Happy” van Beuren; Lawrence Aubin Sr., chairman of Lifespan’s board of directors; and Dr. Timothy J. Babineau, CEO and president of Lifespan. / COURTESY LIFESPAN CORP.

NEWPORT – Newport Hospital recently expanded and renovated its emergency department, which has nearly doubled its capacity and tripled its triage space, the hospital announced.

During an Aug. 14 ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the $12.5 million project, the center was named the John A. and Hope H. van Beuren Emergency Department.

The van Beuren Charitable Foundation contributed a $3 million grant to the project.

Renovations increased the department’s capacity from 17 to 29 beds and enlarged it to more than 20,000 square feet, allowing for the treatment of more than 40,000 patients annually. Other additions include a four-bed behavioral health unit, a patient observation area and a lounge for families waiting for results.

- Advertisement -

The project incorporated evidence-based design features to support the delivery of treatment and the well-being of patients and loved ones, the hospital said.

“Our mission is to invest in the quality of life and quality of place of Aquidneck Island and surrounding communities,” said Archbold D. van Beuren, chair of the van Beuren Charitable Foundation. “Our family’s legacy of engagement with Newport Hospital flows from the clear connection between the hospital’s mission and our own. The improved emergency department is responsive to Aquidneck Island’s current health care needs and designed to adapt to future needs.”

The department was last renovated more than 20 years ago to allow for the care of 22,000 patients a year. Recent demand, due to an aging population and tourism growth, swelled emergency department visits to 33,000 annually, prompting a community fundraising campaign to enlarge the department.

During the campaign, the Alletta Morris McBean Charitable Trust awarded a challenge grant, matching $1.5 million in donations.

The project was funded entirely through donations.

“Our donors have once again rallied around a significant health care initiative. The new emergency department provides an innovative healing environment that matches the excellence in care we provide,” said Crista Durand, president of Newport Hospital. “Our providers and staff … have not wavered during a year-plus of construction during our busiest season.”

No posts to display