Community Celebrates Reopening Of West Penn ER
BLOOMFIELD (KDKA) – Valentine's Day will mark the grand opening of the West Penn Emergency Room in Bloomfield, reopening its doors to patients after a 14-month hiatus.
The West Penn Emergency Department closed in late December 2010, putting many out of jobs. Now, according to an announcement from Highmark and West Penn Allegheny Health System, staff are preparing to reopen at 8 a.m. Tuesday.
Many of the employees have been rehired, including Janie Miller, who will be returning as the manager of the Emergency Department.
"The past year was very difficult," said Miller. "But, we are so happy and excited to be back today."
The 23 patient rooms have undergone significant upgrades and now boast new equipment like x-ray machines and better technology to help with incoming patients. The medical, surgical and intensive care units are also newly renovated and have expanded inpatient service.
According to West Penn Allegheny Health System, funding to reopen the ER was provided by the newly formed alliance with Highmark.
"This benefits not only the Bloomfield, Garfield, Friendship and Lawrenceville neighborhoods in the East End, but it benefits the entire city of Pittsburgh," said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald.
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