Alaska Regional Hospital to extend services to South Anchorage

Anchorage, AK - In response to the growing demand for emergency care, Alaska Regional Hospital (ARH) is proposing to expand its life-saving health care services into South Anchorage. The hospital announced it is seeking state approval to build a full-service emergency room facility that will provide the same high level of care that has been ARH's hallmark for over half a century.

This proposed South Anchorage ER, located at 11841 Old Seward Highway, will bring emergency services to a part of the community that currently lacks easy access to emergency care from board-certified ER physicians. It will be a full-service emergency room capable of caring for various levels of medical needs including heart attacks, strokes, intensive trauma and bone fractures. In addition to 5 emergency room beds, the facility will include hospital-level diagnostic, imaging and laboratory facilities.

The emergency room will operate as a Joint Commission-accredited department of Alaska Regional Hospital and will provide 24-hour emergency care through physicians and staff with the same clinical services provided at the main campus ER.

"We heard the community's call for more healthcare services, and we are answering it. This facility will increase the number of ER beds in the city - something the community desperately needs," said Jennifer Opsut, chief executive officer of ARH, which treated a record 40,000 patients in its main campus ER last year. "We will be offering the 110,000 plus residents of South Anchorage the same nationally recognized care offered at our main campus ER, but much closer to their homes, schools, outdoor recreation spots and workplaces."

Emergency room demand in Anchorage is rising, but capacity has not kept pace. Alaska Regional Hospital's ER volume has increased 14% since last year, and ambulance arrivals are up 23%. Opening a new ER in South Anchorage will relieve the growing pressure on other emergency rooms in the area and ensure a higher level of care from physician to patient.

"In an emergency, minutes matter. Having the right level of care just minutes from home could make all the difference in a life-threatening medical situation," Opsut added. "This new ER will save and improve lives, and bring added peace of mind to families, schools and businesses in South Anchorage."

Alaska Regional Hospital has officially requested a Certificate of Need from the Alaska Department of Health, which is required for the development of this facility. For more information about this project and to voice your support, please visit the South Anchorage ER website.