Emory Johns Creek Hospital (EJCH) opened a new two-story Clinical Decision Unit (CDU) and Radiology Observation Care Unit (ROCU) on January 29.

Marilyn Margolis, EJCH CEO said the project has taken years of hard work from nearly every department at the hospital.

"Today is a very exciting day as we celebrate growth at our hospital to better serve our community and patients," says Margolis.

The CDU is an emergency department observation unit located near the emergency room. The unit serves patients who require care between 6 – 24 hours.

"We’re excited to provide patients a new 10-bed Clinical Decision Unit, which we believe will improve patient and provider satisfaction, offer shorter hospital stays, improve hospital flow and deliver better clinical outcomes," says Walt Wiley, MHA, RN, EJCH Emergency Department Director.

The CDU will be operated 24/7 by two registered nurses, emergency medicine physicians and advanced practice providers.

Patients will also have access to a new ROCU, which is a specialized outpatient unit for patients who require complicated procedures in interventional radiology, computed tomography, MRI and ultrasound.

"This addition will provide greater privacy and comfort for our patients, which we hope will lessen their anxiety prior to procedural exams while also adding efficiency and state-of-the-art technology for our staff," says Chrystal Barnes, CRA, CT, RT, EJCH Director of Imaging.

Michael Ross, MD, FACEP, FACC, professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, chief of service, Observation Medicine says the design of the CDU and ROCU is a perfect match for our daily patient care activities.

"While CDU and ROCU patients have similar room and equipment needs, ROCU is busiest in the midday and the CDU is fullest overnight," says Ross. “The ROCU patients will get impeccable care from the best radiologists and their staff, and with the finest equipment."

Laurie Hansen, EJCH’s VP of Operations, who managed the project says the addition is expected to increase bed capacity, optimize bed utilization, accelerate patient care, and improve efficiency of care delivery.

"None of this would be possible without the tireless efforts of our leadership team, doctors, nurses, advanced practice practitioners, information technology team, DPR Construction and Frandsen Architects," says Hansen.

For more information about Emory Johns Creek Hospital visit emoryhealthcare.org/johnscreek or call 678-474-7000.