Emergency Hussle

Growing the ER for a Growing Community

According to the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), "rural hospitals and ER's are the safety net for patients in remote areas who experience medical emergencies."

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Growing the ER for a Growing Community

About the ER Expansion Campaign

Emergency Services across the country are facing challenges, such as financial constraints, workforce shortages, and increasingly more patients with chronic health conditions. These complex issues have made providing ER care in rural communities like Knox County more difficult today. 

Knox Community Hospital is embarking on a major renovation and expansion of the Emergency Department. In support of the health of our growing community, the Foundation for KCH is launching a two-year capital campaign, "Growing the ER for a Growing Community" to raise $1 million for this crucial project. The funds raised will be directed towards adding five additional exam rooms and one triage room. A new CT (computed Tomography) scanner will also be placed adjacent to the ER for potentially faster diagnoses and action, such as cardiac or stroke events. Additionally, we will build a new lab station for increased efficiency and flow. With our ever-growing community population, this expansion is critical.

The Ariel Foundation has established a Matching Fund Program to challenge and inspire our donors, matching your gift 1:1 up to $300,000 over the next two years!

We hope that you join us in our efforts to set the stage for improved quality of life.
Why expand the KCH Emergency Department?

COMPELLING NEED

IMPROVED ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE. The Emergency Room (ER) is often referred to as the "front door" to any hospital. This ER renovation project will add space to improve access and comfort when patients need it most.

NUMBERS INCREASING. On average, the KCH Emergency Room saw 2,000 visits per month during 2023, or approximately 67 patients daily. The population of Knox County increased by over 900 residents from July 2022 through July 2023. In addition, the population age 65 plus is expected to increase by 14% over the next five years. *estimates according to the US Census Bureau 

SICKER PATIENTS. According to Trent Timmons, DO, Medical Doctor, Emergency Services, "Over recent years, we have seen an increasing number of patients with chronic and severe illnesses than in the past."

SPACE IS A SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGE. The current ER houses 17 exam rooms and one triage room. With the population of our community expected to continue increasing, additional rooms are critical to maintain quality of care, comfort, and dignity. 

Please contact Alice.Hutzel-Bateson@KCH.org or call 740.393.9085 with any questions or concerns regarding the campaign.

Patient Comments

"The Emergency Department of Knox Community Hospital was very organized. Upon check-in, the assessment began quickly. The ER staff started testing and explained very thoroughly what was going on."

"Dr. Timmons came in and was amazing. He checked my child head to toe and ordered blood work, urine, a chest x-ray, and viral testing. He offered a popsicle right away, which helped. I am highly thankful to Dr. Timmons who listened to my concerns and double-checked my son."

"I had multiple days of testing; they were completed in just a few hours. I came away both relieved by the results of the tests and highly pleased by the excellent treatment I received from the doctors, nurses, and attendants alike."