Freestanding emergency departments have emerged as a growing national trend in response to crowded conditions in hospital ERs across the country. A report released by the American College of Emergency Physicians in October revealed that 80 percent of 1,500 physicians surveyed had "grave concerns" about crowding in their emergency departments.

Wellmont, the only health system in Tennessee to operate Level I and Level II trauma centers, is recognized as a national leader in emergency department efficiency and quality. With more than 80,000 patient visits annually, Holston Valley is Tennessee's third-busiest ER. However, less than 3 percent of the hospital's ER patients ever see the waiting room - instead, the vast majority of patients are taken immediately to a treatment area. And 90 percent of Holston Valley's ER patients are seen by a physician within 40 minutes.


"With the opening of Wellmont Emergency Care and Diagnostic Center at Boones Creek, Washington County residents will have convenient access to that same level of exceptional care and service," Dr. Salluzzo said.

Wellmont is the premier provider of healthcare services for Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia and Southeast Kentucky. Comprised of 13 owned and affiliated hospitals, Wellmont delivers top-quality, comprehensive healthcare and wellness services across the Tri-State region. Wellmont is a founding member of the national Safest Hospital Alliance.

"Wellmont Emergency Care and Diagnostic Center at Boones Creek will significantly enhance the quality of health care in Washington County, which is consistent with our mission and vision as a not-for-profit healthcare system," said A. Lee Shillito, chairman of the Wellmont board of directors. "We're responding to the needs of a growing community and establishing a sorely needed additional source for fast, quality healthcare services."

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