EXPANSION OF THE CENTRAL EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT (ZNA) AT ALBERTINEN HOSPITAL HAMBURG 

Currently, the Central Emergency Department (ZNA) of Albertinen Hospital in Hamburg treats approximately 45,000 patients per year, with a significant increasing trend observed in recent years, making adjustments urgently necessary.

These rising treatment demands, along with necessary modifications to processes and, in parts, higher hygienic and medical-technical requirements for the new and existing facilities, require the renovation and expansion of the current ZNA premises at Albertinen Hospital.

After developing a restructuring concept to improve handling and accommodate an increased number of patients, including those requiring isolation, we received an order at the beginning of the year to review this concept promptly, make any necessary revisions, and, after coordination with the Hamburg Authority for Labor, Health, Social Affairs, Family, and Integration, as well as approval of the required funding, to implement it as quickly as possible for Albertinen Hospital.

The Central Emergency Department is currently located on the ground floor of the functional wing of Albertinen Hospital, which was opened in 2014, and will now be expanded. To do this, the adjacent rooms (including those for elective admissions) will be integrated into the ZNA, creating additional examination and treatment rooms that can also be used as isolation rooms if needed. After the renovation, ambulatory patients and their accompanying persons, in addition to emergency patients transported lying down via ambulance, will have access through a new, separate entrance next to the hospital's main entrance. The newly created waiting area there will be divided into two separate zones to better meet future hygienic requirements. Additionally, the admission process will be optimized and prepared for further digitalization.

The construction work will take place during the ongoing 24/7 operation of the ZNA, and the workflows within the Central Emergency Department and the rest of the hospital must be maintained at all times.

We will work closely with the ZNA team to minimize restrictions for patients, visitors, and staff as much as possible.