Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Unveils Newly Remodeled Emergency Department

Ben and Naomi Bollag Emergency Trauma Center designed to provide state-of-the-art care with expanded capacity

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (SBCH) is pleased to announce the completion of a significant phase in its Emergency Department (ED) remodel project, made possible by generous community support and donations. The ED remains conveniently accessible from Junipero Street and has been redesigned for improved patient flow.

"Thanks to the renovation, we now have the ability to serve more patients and remain prepared for future healthcare needs," said Dr. John Anis, medical director for Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital’s Emergency Department. "Prior to the remodel, we were able to see 45,000 patients annually, now we are equipped to accommodate up to 75,000 patients."

The newly remodeled ED was designed with these features:

• A new patient care model that includes a specific area for prompt evaluation and treatment of patients with lower acuity levels. This means many patients now can remain seated in a specially designed patient chair – rather than requiring a bed – for their complete evaluation and treatment. A new waiting area, staffed by nurses, is designated for use while low-acuity patients wait for test results before discharge. This care model has been shown to expedite care and enhance the patient experience, while freeing ED beds for acutely ill patients and those arriving via ambulance.
• Security upgrades, including a state-of-the-art electronic screening system, have been added to existing security measures. Everyone entering will be scanned to ensure prohibited items such as weapons, cigarettes, vapes and lighters are not brought into the hospital. 24/7 security teams will help keep the hospital a safe and healing environment for patients, visitors and staff.

"This is a huge step forward. Our expanded state-of-the-art Level 1 Trauma Center and Emergency Department will revolutionize our workflows and the way we deliver care for patients. Because of generous community support, we will be able to provide for the emergency needs of patients in the region for many years to come,” said Brett Wilson, MD, Emergency Medicine Physician.

Through the Reaching Higher Together Campaign for Excellence, SBCH Foundation raised $26.3 million to benefit Emergency, Trauma and Critical Care projects, including the ED renovation.

Notably, the ED has been named in honor of Ben and Naomi Bollag, whose philanthropic efforts have significantly impacted the hospital and its services. Additionally, the Elaine F. Stepanek Foundation, Peter and Robin Barker, the Herbert Simon Family Foundation, and the Santa Barbara Foundation pledged their commitment to the well-being of the community through generous contributions.

The remaining phase of the ED remodel will focus on remodeling the trauma ambulance bay and rooms.

SBCH is a Level I Trauma Center for adults and a Level II Trauma Center for pediatrics, verified by the American College of Surgeons and Santa Barbara County Emergency Medical Services Agency.

To help connect the community to convenient care, Cottage Health offers three emergency departments, located in Santa Barbara, Goleta and Santa Ynez, as well as 15 Cottage Urgent Care centers with locations from Camarillo to San Luis Obispo, and Cottage Virtual Care available online to people anywhere in California.