AHN Saint Vincent opens New Clinical Decision Unit

AHN Saint Vincent cut the ribbon for a new Clinical Decision Unit (CDU) today that will greatly enhance the experience of patients visiting the hospital’s Emergency Department (ED) who require an extended time of observation by health care professionals to determine if a full admission to the hospital is necessary. The 24 private bed unit, which will officially open in the coming weeks, is located adjacent to the hospital’s ED, creating a highly efficient, streamlined patient experience and shortening overall wait times in the department.  

Saint Vincent, Highmark Health, and Allegheny Health Network (AHN) officials joined community leaders today to officially cut the ribbon to the new CDU.

According to Chris Clark, DO, MHA, AHN Saint Vincent President, the CDU is a designated area within the hospital that enables caregivers to monitor and evaluate the medical condition of patients who do not meet criteria for inpatient admission but are not well enough to go home without further observation. The 8,800 square foot space, located at the site of the hospital’s previous emergency department, was completely renovated, and transformed to assume its new role.

“This new facility is another important investment in AHN’s ongoing efforts to improve the patient experience at every touchpoint of the care journey,” said Dr.  Clark. “Saint Vincent has one of the state’s busiest emergency departments and those high volumes can create long wait times for patients and their families. Our CDU will help to minimize those long stays in the ED and enable us to care for patients more effectively and efficiently.  It perfectly aligns with our organization’s Living Health model and goal of providing remarkable, high-quality health experiences and outcomes for those we serve. ”

Patients who seek care in the Saint Vincent ED and are awaiting results of diagnostic testing, prescribed medications, or other therapies, can be admitted to the CDU. Most patients in CDUs are generally eligible for discharge to home within twenty-four hours. While in the CDU, patients will be regularly assessed by a multidisciplinary care team of physicians, advanced practice providers, and other clinical professionals.

Dr. Clark noted that the CDU will create 40 new jobs at AHN Saint Vincent.

Construction on the CDU began in April of 2022. The $8 million investment by AHN and Highmark Health was supported by a $2 million dollar state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Grant (RACP) grant.

“Emergency Care at Saint Vincent Hospital in Erie is second to none.  As part of the Allegheny Health Network, their emergency exam rooms treat a variety of critical, life-threatening conditions in a private, efficient and caring setting,” said Pennsylvania State Senator, Dan Laughlin  “The addition of a Clinical Decision Unit will provide patients with additional comprehensive care and ultimately shorten the time a patient stays in the Emergency Room.  We  applaud the folks at Highmark and AHN for their continued investment in Saint Vincent Hospital and the Erie Community.”

The new facility is also located directly adjacent to the advanced imaging services of the AHN Saint Vincent Radiology Department, where patients can benefit from the region’s first 3T MRI, among other state-of-the-art diagnostic technologies.

Saint Vincent’s new Emergency Department opened in 2019, and features 39 private rooms, a dedicated behavioral health section and state-of-the-art technology throughout. The department’s team cares for more than 150 patients each day.