Avera Holy Family Hospital Opens New Emergency Department

A new state-of-the-art Emergency Department at Avera Holy Family Hospital brought a crowd of supporters at a recent open house in Estherville, Iowa.

The recently completed efficient ED will serve as an important resource to the region and community, and it serves as another example of Avera’s investment in rural health care services delivered close to home.

The new department included the addition of 6,800 square feet, with 3,000 square feet of renovated space, two private trauma rooms and four private treatment rooms, along with a nurse’s station, physician consult space and a family conference area.

A dedicated registration area for emergency, surgery and same day services, as well as a decontamination room for chemical exposure and an ambulance garage allowing for indoor ED access round out the site’s features.

The site will be augmented by Avera eCARE telemedicine and Careflight services when needed.

“We are grateful for Avera’s strong commitment to keep quality health care local,” said Deborah Herzberg, President and CEO of Avera Holy Family Hospital. “This facility also shows the resolve of our supporters who provided our capital fundraising campaign more than $1 million in just a few months. We are entrusted with the health care of many and it’s our honor and privilege.”

Founded and operated by Catholic sisters, sponsorship of Holy Family was transferred to the Presentation Sisters in 1997. It became part of the Avera system in 2000.

“Avera Holy Family has earned designations as a Top 100 and Top 20 Critical Access Hospital numerous times, and for the community of Estherville, this is our hospital,” said Avera Holy Family board chair Joe Greig. “On behalf of the hospital board of directors, I’d like to thank Avera and Avera Holy Family for their commitment and investment in our community and region.”