The new Emory University Hospital Tower is slated to open its first two levels and parking deck to the public later this month. To ready the staff and building for the grand opening, a "Day in the Life" event was held on June 28.

Scenarios were acted out in the radiology department, anesthesiology pre-admission clinic, admissions, materials management, food and nutrition, and guest services to test the facility, equipment, systems and work flows. Staff working in those areas also had the opportunity to experience their new work environments and surroundings.

New patient routes to and from the hospital tower and existing hospital across Clifton Road were put to the test with scenarios involving patients being transported across the new bridge. A second level on the bridge is dedicated specifically to patients and staff. In the new Clifton Café, employees with Food and Nutrition Services had the opportunity to review procedures and processes.

"The Day in the Life exercise gives hospital employees a chance to try out their new work environment and test our systems to make sure they are ready to handle patient care and flow when the first two floors open on July 31," says Bryce Gartland, MD, CEO of Emory University Hospital. "Facilitators and observers work with the staff to notate issues and concerns as they arise during these scenarios."

The 450,000-square-foot, $400 million state-of-the-art hospital tower, across Clifton Road from the current hospital, will allow for an expansion of services and expert care, while creating an integrated and spacious environment for patients and their families.

Cancer patients, including surgical, medical oncology and bone marrow transplant patients, will be cared for in the new tower along with kidney, liver and pancreas transplant patients. The hospital’s medical ICU and surgical ICU will also be located in the new building, along with other specialties.

The hospital addition comprises 232 patient beds, including 40 critical care beds, adding 128 net new beds to Emory University Hospital. Floors one and two will open on July 31, along with an underground parking deck with 500 parking spaces. Patient floors begin opening in August, and the hospital tower will be fully operational by October.