I thought this was unusual at first, but further on, it makes more sense. St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Saline had recently converted to emergency/out-patient services only, with patients needing overnight and/or more lengthy treatment being transferred to St. Joseph's in Ann Arbor.
So now they can specialize in handling emergency and urgent care needs for seniors. Per the article:
St. Joseph Mercy Saline Hospital opened the doors to its new Senior Emergency Department Friday in a move hospital officials say will improve emergency care services for those 65 and older. George Williams, the hospital's chief of staff and emergency physician, said it became obvious that, with an abundance of aging baby boomers, a new style of emergency care tailored to their specific needs was required. Williams said he and his colleagues realized there were opportunities to make care that was especially catered to these patients.
But it also doesn't end here, as other hospitals are also joining in to help seniors:
In a press release issued in August, Lauren Stokes, media relations contact for the hospital, said the Saline Senior ER is part of a larger plan to bring a similar style of care to the region. "By Jan. 1, 2011, emergency departments at Chelsea Community Hospital, St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor, St. Joseph Mercy Brighton, St. Joseph Mercy Livingston, St. Joseph Mercy Oakland, St. Joseph Mercy Port Huron and St. Joseph Mercy Saline will each have a Senior Emergency Department staffed by caregivers who are specially skilled in geriatric emergency care," she said. ""St. Mary Mercy Livonia opened the doors to the health system's first Senior Emergency Department on July 14."
It makes living around here more comfortable for all ages.
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