New Milford Hospital Slates Emergency Department Expansion

Under the leadership of Newtown resident and Western Connecticut Health Network President and CEO John M. Murphy, MD, New Milford Hospital recently unveiled plans to expand emergency medical services for the region with the construction of a new Emergency Department. Once completed, the Emergency Department will be named The Arnhold Emergency Department, honoring a generous gift the Arnhold family recently dedicated to the project.

“We look forward to enhancing the hospital’s ability to serve the community in New Milford and the surrounding region by providing a state-of-the-art facility for the outstanding staff that we have in place,” said Dr Murphy. “The generous gifts we have received to date are an overwhelming endorsement for our vision and work.”

Pending required approvals, the new Emergency Department will be built into the neighboring hillside in a parklike setting, doubling the size from the existing Emergency Department space, with all private rooms and an eco-friendly design including a rooftop garden. Patient conveniences are noted throughout the planned addition.

Future Planning

Dr Tom Koobatian, chief of staff and director of emergency medicine at New Milford Hospital, said from a physician standpoint, and one who has worked long hours in cramped quarters, the planned expansion is a dream come true.

“I can’t tell you what this will mean toward improving the quality of care we can provide and also optimizing the patient experience. If you’ve visited our Emergency Department recently, you understand firsthand why this is such a wonderful project for our hospital and community. We’ve simply outgrown our current space and this project will allow us to build the Emergency Department our patients need and deserve for years to come,” said Dr Koobatian.

The hospital, a member of the Western Connecticut Health Network family, has been going through a transformation under the network, adding to its physician staff and upgrading programs, infrastructure and technology since affiliating with Danbury Hospital in 2010.

The planned construction will double the size of the existing Emergency Department and enhance important privacy and infection control measures.

Community Feedback

Hospital officials have reached out to town officials and neighbors for preliminary discussions and are so pleased by the supportive feedback they have received, according to a release.

Plans call for the hospital to remain fully operational throughout the planned approvals process and construction with no disruption to emergency, in-patient or out-patient services. The current main entrance will remain the same, as will the entryway for the ambulances and emergency vehicles.

Once construction is complete in 2014, the Emergency Department will be accessed by car from Elm Street, a much safer alternative than trying to navigate the busy intersection at Elm Street and Route 202.

Members of the community are encouraged to call the hospital with questions or ideas at 860-210-5000 or by e-mailing NEW-NMHED@wcthn.org. For those interested in making a donation, contact the foundation offices at 860-210-5270.

Visit newmilfordhospital.org for regular news and alerts.