Northwestern Medical Center’s Auxiliary is proud to announce the donation of $10,000 to the hospital in support of NMC’s Emergency Department renovation project, specifically to enhance the break room for Emergency Department staff.

The renovation revamps 9,500 square feet of space and adds an additional 2,400 to the busy department. The addition means the ED increases treatments spaces from 14 to 21. The new design will also increase capacity and comfort for patients experiencing mental health issues, offering four dedicated rooms for those community members whereas the current ED space only has one such room. The new ED will open in December.

The original design of the staff breakroom was downsized during the evolution of the project, and the Auxiliary’s donation helped support NMC’s efforts to restore and enhance some of the space to better support the hard-working staff of the ED. Emergency Department Director JoAnn Manahan spoke to the Auxiliary at a business meeting in August, explaining the need for space for staff to rest, take a break, eat a meal and come together in support. The assembled Auxiliary members swiftly and unanimously voted to appropriate the funds for the break room.

Maris Rock, President of the Auxiliary, said “We know how important the Emergency Department is to our community, and the staff are so important in giving great care to people at some of their toughest moments.”

Katherine Winchester, Manager of Volunteer Services at NMC and the Liaison to the Auxiliary echoed that sentiment. “It is an honor for the Auxiliary to be in a position to support the hospital, its staff and patients in this unique way with this donation to the ED Project. It’s a meaningful contribution we are grateful to be a part of,” she said.

The donation was applauded by NMC’s CEO Peter J. Wright as well.  “We are so very grateful for the ongoing support of the Auxiliary,” he said. “This very generous gift is yet another example of the group’s impressive commitment to our mission and the community we serve.”

The Auxiliary’s Mission is to support NMC through fund-raising and positive community relations. The NMC Auxiliary was formed by and for people who have a common commitment to the goals of the hospital and a concern for the health of the communities it serves. New members are always welcome. Please contact the Auxiliary/Volunteer office at Northwestern Medical Center at 524-1055 if you are interested in becoming a member or volunteering for your local community hospital.