In the 1970s it was estimated that Wellstar Kennestone Hospital’s emergency department would see 60,000 annual visits. Mary Chatman is the executive vice president and president of Wellstar Kennestone, as well as Wellstar Windy Hills Hospital (Marietta).
Chatman says that the 84-bed ED had to be creative in order to meet rising demand. For example, they added hallway beds to increase their capacity, and brought in a temporary modular treatment unit during a recent flu season. This was then converted into a long-term-care space. Chapman reports that despite these challenges, Chapman’s ED, which is a Level 2-trauma center and comprehensive stroke and heart facility, has high patient satisfaction ratings. It was a real testament to how you can work with what you’ve got.
