A major expansion of one of Southside Savannah’s landmark buildings is complete, and the 47-year-old St. Joseph’s Hospital boasts a modern and efficient design that is more comforting for patients as they heal.
 
This expansion is more than just added space. It represents the art and science of technologically advanced medicine combined with an elegantly-designed environment that promotes tranquility, spirituality and healing for patients in an amenity-rich space.  For doctors and co-workers, the space is clinically efficient for better patient care.
 
The now- completed first phase of this project consisted of a 14,815-square-foot expansion of the emergency department, a new open and inviting atrium with bigger waiting areas for the Emergency Department, Outpatient Surgery and Imaging plus expanded parking.
 
“This is a major investment in the biggest building on Savannah’s southside,” said St. Joseph’s/Candler President & CEO Paul P. Hinchey. “It is strategically located for the growing populations in all counties surrounding Savannah, so this expansion is a keystone for our overall strategic plan to deliver easy access to high-quality healthcare for the entire region.”
 
For information on parking and new entrances at St. Joseph’s Hospital, located at 11705 Mercy Boulevard, visit www.sjchs.org/st-josephs-expansion.  
 
This state-of-the-art architectural design is reflective of the smart medicine philosophy the hospital exemplifies: high-end technology, unsurpassed quality and unyielding compassionate care. The exterior
was designed to be in harmony with the recent modern facelift and renovations of the hospital patient tower and consists of two major components.
 
“This incredible project took place while the 330-bed hospital operated 24-hours a day,” Hinchey said. “Our co-workers and doctors did a magnificent job giving the highest patient care while navigating a constantly-changing building.”
 
The second phase of this 18-month project will now begin with the renovation of the old Emergency Department into a seamless environment for patient care and the ability to handle more patients than ever before.
 
How St. Joseph's Was Expanded
 
· The building was expanded by 17,000 square feet.

· Renovation of another 13,000 square feet of existing hospital space will be completed this summer.

· The current emergency department was expanded by 14,815 square feet.

· The number of treatment rooms in the Emergency Department grew and are bigger in size.

· When the second phase is complete this summer, there will be 32 Emergency Department rooms.

· There are six fast-track treatment rooms for lower acuity patients.

· We have designed the space to enhance the patient experience, expedite treatment and help staff to be more efficient.

· Operational CT scan and X-Ray room inside the ED

· There is a new atrium, new waiting areas, a new access road, expanded parking, and new lobby space that is open, inviting, and which can be easily navigated.

· We improved our internal process by creating a quicker triage and a fast track area for lower acuity patients.
 
These changes were made to address the increased demand from the community for a more efficient and consumer friendly hospital. The space was designed for co-workers to be more productive and created better visibility to patients and visitors entering the hospital. The goal is to see patients quicker, in a friendlier environment and with amenities to enhance everyone’s experience.
 
Tied To History
 
St. Joseph's Hospital began in 1875 when the Sisters of Mercy took over the operations of the Forest City Marine Hospital in what is now the historic district. Since its inception, Savannahians have trusted the care, compassion and medical expertise that have become synonymous with the St. Joseph's name.
 
The new hospital opened in 1970 on the southside after a bold move by then hospital administrator Sr. Cornile Dulohery. The new St. Joseph’s has been designed with that bold vision in mind, but not to forget the history of the Sisters of Mercy and their medical and spiritual gifts to the community.
 
The expansion features stained-glass windows that were saved from the original downtown location. To further tell the Sisters of Mercy story a newly-commissioned eight-foot-wide, 800-pound Mercy Rose Window is a prominent feature of the new atrium, vibrantly depicting the journey of the Sisters of Mercy over the course of their time in Savannah.
 
Outside, a hand-carved “Welcoming Christ” greets patients and visitors in a similar fashion as the statue of St. Joseph’s at the hospital’s main entrance.