East Ridge Hospital To Open $3.6 Million Surgery Addition

  • Tuesday, September 17, 2002

Two new specialty surgical suites at East Ridge Hospital will be opening their doors to the public at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22, as the hospital unveils its new $3.6 million surgery services addition and renovation.

With 4,300 square feet of new space, Surgery Services now features
expansive, new suites for orthopedic and laparoscopic surgeries, officials said.

Growth in The Spine and Orthopedic Center and in the numbers of laparoscopic cases prompted the new services.

"Specialty surgery at East Ridge Hospital is a major service for us-and it's growing fast," said hospital CEO Jerri Underwood. "I'm proud also to announce our new Laparoscopic Center of Excellence, now possible with our new laparoscopic suite," she says. Internationally known laparoscopic surgeon C. Y. Liu, MD, a pioneer in his field, attracts national and international
patients to East Ridge Hospital.

Additionally, the hospital, along with
surgeon Jack Rutledge, is the first in the area to provide laparoscopic
bariatric (weight-loss) surgery.

The laparoscopic suite features a technology system, OR1, which coordinates all surgical equipment with a central computer system, controlled by the surgeon using a touch-screen monitor. In addition, the suite offers the most
up-to-date telemedicine broadcast equipment for transmitting real time
surgical teaching sessions to physicians in such prestigious locations as the Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins, it was stated.

The orthopedic suite features all the latest technology as well. Guests will
be able to see the Jackson Table, for example, with advantages that include
rotation and a design that reduces a patient's blood loss during surgery.
Health Grades, the nation's largest consumer healthcare research and rating firm, has named orthopedic services at East Ridge Hospital and Parkridge Medical Center the Best In Tennessee for two consecutive years.

The open house includes a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1 p.m. with local
officials and key physicians. Following the ceremony guests are invited to tour the new facility, enjoy refreshments, and participate in free health screenings. The hospital will offer free EKGs, which will be kept on file.

Health-risk assessments that include a consultation also will be offered.
The first 100 guests who register to attend the open house will be eligible
for a drawing for door prizes. To register call MEDline at 622-6848.

East Ridge Hospital is a full-service, 128-bed acute care hospital featuring specialty surgery that includes orthopedics, the Laparoscopic Center of Excellence, bariatric surgery, and women's procedures. Additional services
include the Emergency Care Center, the Women's Center, the SleepWell Center, and SportsCare for sports medicine. The facility offers intensive care (ICU) as well as acute medical/surgical services.

The hospital also has a Women's Center, with services for every stage of life. The BirthPlace includes a 22-bassinet Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery, the area's only accredited on-site Lactation Center, and beautiful Labor/Delivery/Recovery Rooms. The Women's Center also offers diagnostic services and specialty women's surgeries.

Also on campus are the East Ridge Hospital Fitness Center and the
Chattanooga Chapter of the National Association of Senior Friends.

Living Well
TN AG's DCA Issues Consumer Alert Ahead Of April 8 Solar Eclipse
  • 3/27/2024

The Tennessee Attorney General’s Office issued the following warning on Wednesday to consumers regarding the upcoming solar eclipse: "While the Volunteer State is not in the path of totality ... more

Hamilton Medical Center Recognized For Excellence With Cardiac Catheterization Lab Accreditation
Hamilton Medical Center Recognized For Excellence With Cardiac Catheterization Lab Accreditation
  • 3/26/2024

The American College of Cardiology has recognized Hamilton Medical Center for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients who come to a cardiac cath lab for care, including ... more

Hamilton Medical Center Receives National, Regional, State And Local Recognition For Medical Excellence
Hamilton Medical Center Receives National, Regional, State And Local Recognition For Medical Excellence
  • 3/26/2024

Hamilton Medical Center has been recognized for medical excellence and patient safety quality by CareChex. HMC was ranked in the top 10 percent in the nation in three categories for 2024. ... more