Genesis to open Emergency Department at Bettendorf HealthPlex

One emergency department is opening in Bettendorf. Another one is closing in Davenport. A new Emergency Department will open at the Bettendorf HealthPlex, 2140 53rd Ave., at noon on Thursday, Dec. 8, as part of Genesis Health System’s plan to optimize its emergency services in Scott County. Genesis officials previously announced plans to consolidate its […]

One emergency department is opening in Bettendorf. Another one is closing in Davenport. A new Emergency Department will open at the Bettendorf HealthPlex, 2140 53rd Ave., at noon on Thursday, Dec. 8, as part of Genesis Health System’s plan to optimize its emergency services in Scott County. Genesis officials previously announced plans to consolidate its Davenport emergency services at its East and West hospital campuses on the East Campus. The two campuses are about two miles apart.

The East Campus Emergency Department will handle emergency and trauma needs. The West Campus Emergency Department, now at 1401 W. Central Park Ave., will permanently close at 8 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 6. “Centralizing resources and staff at the East Campus Emergency Department will give patients in Davenport immediate access to advanced technology and specialty care for their most complex health needs,” according to a statement from Genesis. Meanwhile in Bettendorf, hundreds of visitors got a look at the new Emergency Department at the Bettendorf HealthPlex during a community open house Saturday morning, Dec. 3. That new department features eight treatment rooms, a trauma room, a triage room, and an ambulance bay. It will have its own distinct entrance at the Bettendorf HealthPlex. The HealthPlex also houses family medicine and pediatric providers, lab services, and the Genesis Imaging Center. “It’s something we need in Bettendorf,” said Sharon Phillips of Bettendorf, one of the open house visitors. “I’m impressed with the thoughtfulness that went into this.” Ms. Phillips was one of many people who toured the Emergency Department facilities on Saturday. Jake Zisette, director of critical care at Genesis Health System, put on a Santa cap and gave many of those tours. He said many of those he led through the department told him the new facilities looked great. “It’s really a great location. We now have the capacity to take care of the sickest patients,” he added.

Establishing an Emergency Department in Bettendorf is part of a comprehensive plan, announced in April, to expand capacity and better provide patients with the right care, in the right place, at the right time. “People are just very excited about this. They’re looking forward to it,” Jordan Voigt, president of Genesis Medical Center, Davenport, said during Saturday’s tour. Mr. Voigt added that Genesis anticipates 9,600 visitors to the new Emergency Department in its first year. The new department will work closely with the East Campus Emergency Department at Genesis Medical Center, Davenport, which offers the county’s highest level of emergency care. “Our Emergency Department staff and physicians rotate between all Emergency Care sites within Genesis Medical Center.  We have 18 physician positions and over 55 nurse positions.  However, we continue to grow rapidly and are recruiting for additional emergency care physicians as well as registered nurses,” Mr. Voigt told the QCBJ in an email Monday, Dec. 5. As for the cost of the new department in Bettendorf, Mr. Voigt added that Genesis Medical Center-Davenport contributed $1 million and “we worked with our third-party landlord, who owns the Bettendorf HealthPlex, to fund the remainder of the initiative through our existing lease.” “With this new Emergency Department in Bettendorf, Genesis is strategically adding emergency access to a growing area of Scott County,” Doug Cropper, president and CEO of Genesis Health System, said in a statement. “Genesis offers a wide range of services in Bettendorf, including primary and specialty care, convenient care, sports medicine, occupational health, imaging, physical therapy, and a hospice house.” Mr. Cropper added that “However, until now, Genesis has not had an Emergency Department in Bettendorf. With this new Emergency Department, Genesis is better able to fulfill our vision to be ‘the best place to receive care’ for residents in Bettendorf and surrounding communities.” Much of Saturday’s open house focused on a family-friendly introduction to the new department. The event had a Christmas theme with Santa Claus visiting with children in the main waiting area, scores of Christmas decorations, an arts and crafts table, face painting, balloons, hot chocolate and more. Genesis officials were also handing out coloring books – called “A Visit to the Emergency Room” – so children could get a stress-free introduction to emergency services.