Southampton Hospital receives $5 million for Emergency Department

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An artist's rendering of the expanded emergency department.

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Southampton Hospital received the biggest gift in its 100-year history this week, a $5 million donation from Jenny and John Paulson that will fund an Emergency Department expansion.

Southampton Hospital spokeswoman Marsha Kenny said the hospital secured the donation from the Paulsons earlier this month after about two weeks of discussions between hospital officials and Mr. Paulson.

“It’s been an ongoing dialogue, but only two weeks ago he made the commitment,” Ms. Kenny said. “It’s really terrific.”

The donation will enable the hospital to complete “Phase III” of the $8.5 million project, which began in August. The initial stages of the project were funded by $3.5 million in New York State HEAL grants.

The money will enable the hospital to nearly double the Emergency Department’s space, from 6,250 square feet to 10,100 square feet, and significantly expand its care to residents and visitors of the South Fork. The design includes separate weather-protected entrances for walk-in patients and ambulance arrivals, improved traffic flow, and enhanced security, Director of Operations Dave Lopez said.

“Now the ambulances will have direct access to the trauma rooms,” Mr. Lopez said.

Scheduled for completion by May 2010, the Jenny and John Paulson Emergency Department will provide a centralized trauma nurses’ station and triage area, expanded diagnostic and treatment areas, a “fast track” area for less acute illnesses or injuries, and additional patient and trauma rooms.

Southampton Hospital’s Emergency Department logs approximately 25,000 patient visits annually, with board-certified emergency physicians and specially trained nursing staff providing care, according to a press release.

“It’s a wonderful gift,” Mr. Lopez said. “The generosity of the Paulson family is greatly appreciated, not only by the hospital, but the entire community will reap the benefits of it.”

The Paulsons did not return requests for comment. Mr. Paulson is a part-time Southampton resident and chairman of the New York City-based investment firm Paulson & Co. Inc.

In a prepared statement issued on Friday, Mr. Paulson spoke of the importance of the hospital to the surrounding community.

“As Southampton residents, we have all benefited from the services of the hospital. We are lucky to have such a talented and dedicated team of doctors and caregivers to attend to our emergency needs,” Mr. Paulson said in the statement. “Southampton Hospital is essential to all of us living in the East End, and we are honored to be part of its quest for excellence.”

Southampton Hospital President and CEO Robert S. Chaloner said in the press release that the donation will enhance hospital services and that the donation “firmly establishes our ability to provide the best possible care to the East End.”

“Southampton Hospital’s Board of Directors and staff are thrilled that the Paulsons have chosen our Emergency Department to receive such a substantial, generous donation,” Mr. Chaloner said in the press release. “This donation will have an extraordinary impact on our diagnostic and treatment capabilities. As the sole provider of emergency care on the South Fork, we must substantially expand and enhance our services to meet the growing need of our communities.”