Residents of eastern Fort Wayne and Allen County who value quality, efficiency and high-level customer service when seeking emergency care will soon have the option of visiting a first-of-its-kind facility in the area. Officials from Lutheran Health Network today announced plans for the construction of Fort Wayne’s first, freestanding ER at the northwest corner of Coliseum and State boulevards in Statewood Plaza.

Lutheran ER Statewood will be open 24 hours ad ay, 365 days a year and feature the same QuickER model that was introduced locally during the summer of 2011. QuickER, which has since been adopted by all Lutheran Health Network ERs in the region, tracks the average time a patient waits to be seen by a clinical professional from the moment they enter the emergency department. Wait times are communicated publicly in multiple ways including digital displays on billboards and via the web.

“Most emergency visits involves patients making a personal choice where they want to go, and thousands from the neighborhoods nearest to where Lutheran ER Statewood will be located have already demonstrated a desire to travel great lengths to receive care delivered in our network’s emergency departments.” said Brian Bauer, chief executive officer, Luther Health Network. “Decreasing the amount of time it takes to receive emergency care, whether that involves less time en route or less time in a waiting room, is part of our commitment to bolstering healthcare experiences for area patients.”

The site at the intersection of Coliseum and State was chosen based on the easy access it provides for area residents and businesses. Thousands of patients in the adjoining zip codes already seek care at other LHN ERs in Allen County each year. The new ER will bring the services closer to where these individuals live and work, which LHN believes will enhance convenience and safety.

“I’m encouraged by the positive momentum and excitement we’re experiencing in our city,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Healthcare is an important sector in our local economy, and we appreciate Lutheran’s commitment to investing in our community with new jobs and expanded services as Fort Wayne continues to be a leader in economic development opportunities and job growth.”

Lutheran EMS crew will be stationed around the clock for the rapid transport of patients deemed to be in need of hospitalization. An ambulance bay will be built and equipped to accommodate Lutheran and independent emergency medical service vehicles. Approximately 35 new positions are expected to be created in advance of Lutheran ER Statewood’s projected opening the spring of 2016.