The opening of the Barrett Family Foundation Geriatric Emergency Care Zone—known as the Green Zone—in the Tawsse Family Emergency Department has been an exciting milestone.
Dr. Courtney Spelliscy, one of our dedicated emergency physicians who works in the Green Zone, shared this note of appreciation for what donors like you make possible:
“It has been very exciting to be a part of the opening of our Barrett Family Foundation Geriatric Emergency Care Zone, known as the Green Zone, in the Tawsse Family Emergency Department.
Hospitals can be confusing places, and anyone is at risk of getting lost—but some of our older patients are at significantly increased risk. The Green Zone is a closed space where exits are clearly visible by staff, significantly decreasing the risk of wandering or getting turned around.
The space also has health care aids, like anti-slip flooring and hand-rails, to help patients with basic tasks like getting to the bathroom. The bathroom itself was designed with the help of our own Emergency Department Occupational Therapists, to maximize independence and safety for our patients.
While these things may seem small, they go a long way to ensuring comfort and assurance for our older patients.
We are continuing to learn and to enhance the space with additional resources—working with our hospital volunteers and Patient Experience team to collect feedback from our patients and their loved ones and caregivers who spend time in the Green Zone.
We are incredibly appreciative of the support and encouragement that we have received from donors, colleagues, and the St. Joe’s community. We’re looking forward to our next chapter and best supporting our community as our population ages!”
Dr. Courtney Spellicsy
Dedicated Emergency Physician
Read more about this specialized zone that donors made possible
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