Hartford Hospital Receives Approval To Expand Simulation Center
July 29, 2013
Hartford, CT – Hartford Hospital announced today that it has received the ‘go ahead’ from the city of Hartford to construct a 30,000 square-foot expansion of the Hospital’s Center for Education, Simulation, and Innovation (CESI). The City of Hartford Planning and Zoning Commission recently approved a $15 million grant to expand CESI.
The first phase of expansion will begin with 6,000 square-feet of space on the second floor, of the Education Resource Center (ERC). It is expected to be completed by December 2013. Phase two of the expansion will be a new 25,000 square-foot, two-story building next to the ERC with a projected opening date of January 2015. A third phase is also planned for future development. The expansion will provide space for simulation areas, electronic training facilities, and research laboratories, and is expected to bolster the center's role as an economic engine for the city, region and state.
"This approval validates Hartford Hospital's commitment to continued research, education, innovation and the future of medicine. This expansion will further establish Hartford Hospital as a visionary leader in medical technology, innovation and training," said Jeffrey Flaks, president and CEO of Hartford Hospital. "This allows us to provide increased opportunities for all medical experts across the state and beyond to train in the areas most advanced, state-of-the-art center for surgical robotics and other sophisticated medical technologies."
CESI is a world-class training facility that allows healthcare professionals to simulate different types of acute crises and higher technology patient treatment. Participants are able to train in a staged work environment to create an atmosphere of realism. The facility also allows for the simulation of crises or other high risk medical care across disciplines, so that specialists can work on communication and improve patient safety.
In 2012, CESI’s staff conducted more than 5,600 hours of training for more than 7,200 care givers. More than 11,000 medical personnel are on tap for training this coming year.
Since it opened in 2010, CESI has filled an urgent need in the medical community by training thousands to become the next generation of medical first responders. The center is an international hub for high technology training and an educational and research center for students and faculty from UConn, from government agencies, as well as from schools and hospitals across the globe.
About Hartford Hospital
Hartford Hospital, founded in 1854, is one of the largest teaching hospitals and tertiary care centers in New England with one of the region's busiest surgery practices. It is annually ranked among America's Best Hospitals by US News & World Report and has been recognized nationally for the quality of many of its programs, including cardiology, cancer, stroke and joint and spine care. The 867-bed regional referral center provides high-quality care in all clinical disciplines. Among its divisions is The Institute of Living, a 114-bed mental health facility with a national and international reputation of excellence. Jefferson House, a 104-bed long-term care facility, is also a special division of Hartford Hospital. The hospital’s major centers of clinical excellence include cardiology, oncology, emergency services and trauma, mental health, women’s health, orthopedics, bloodless surgery and advanced organ transplantation. Hartford Hospital owns and operates the state’s only air ambulance system, LIFE STAR.