Staff Reports | Community Updates
Banner Health has reopened a renovated and expanded emergency department at Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa, supported by charitable gifts from Thunderbirds Charities and Salt River Project to the Banner Health Foundation.
The renovation of one of the busiest emergency rooms in the state includes 9,800 square feet of remodeled interior space, 4,100 square feet of additional space and a reconfigured patient driveway for improved access. The emergency department reopened Wednesday, according to a press release.
“What we have done is enhance the front-end process, creating two separate waiting rooms for adults and pediatric patients,” said Laura Robertson, chief executive officer of Banner Desert Medical Center. “This will improve the experience, the timeliness for providing care, and allow for more patient privacy.”
The remodel includes two pediatric triage rooms, 15 pediatric treatment rooms, four quick-look rooms and six results-waiting spaces. The adult side now includes 15 fast-track exam rooms, four triage rooms, five quick-look rooms and 20 results-waiting spaces.
“This project reflects the spirit of our community — coming together to support families in times of need,” said Juana Hernandez, SRP senior community engagement strategist. “SRP is proud to partner with the Banner Foundation on this new space, designed to offer comfort, safety and compassionate care during life’s most challenging moments.”
The project was made possible through philanthropic support from Thunderbirds Charities, which contributed $450,000 as part of a continuing partnership with Banner Health Foundation dating back to 2006, and SRP, whose support of Banner Health began in 1982. Representatives from both organizations took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 17 in advance of the opening and are recognized on internal signage.
“Most of us are fathers, so the idea of a pediatric emergency unit serving these vulnerable families definitely tugs at our heartstrings,” said Matt Mooney, Big Chief of The Thunderbirds. “We are honored to participate, and we look forward to hosting the WM Phoenix Open so we can continue to support projects like this.”
The Thunderbirds, who run the annual Phoenix Open, use proceeds from the tournament to support nonprofit organizations throughout the Phoenix area.
Local mom Kiersten Haney attended the opening ceremony with her daughter Juliet, who recently was treated in the emergency department and subsequently at Banner Children’s at Desert.
“From the moment we walked in, I knew we were in good hands. The whole team that took care of Juliet was so well coordinated,” Mrs. Haney said. “As a registered nurse myself, I know the amount of effort that was going on behind the scenes. And I am so grateful to all who were involved.”
The expansion addresses community needs in the rapidly growing East Valley, where the population has grown from 900,000 residents in 2006 to more than 1.5 million today. The Banner Desert emergency department serves about 120,000 patients annually — roughly 321 patients per day — with about 30% consisting of pediatric patients up to 18 years old.
Banner Desert serves as a Level I trauma center, treating adult and pediatric patients.
“Our care needs to start the moment they walk through these doors,” Ms. Robertson said. “So what you are seeing is a significant investment from Banner, SRP and the Thunderbirds. It’s an investment in the overall experience for those patients.”
