April 1, 2003-A conference room, 36 private patient rooms, 20 separate computer stations and a trauma room twice as large as its predecessor are just some of the improvements U Hospital staffers can boast about.

When the new emergency room opened its doors on April 1, it marked a vast increase in the quality and efficiency of care patients to the new facility will now be able to receive.

In addition to having its own radiology department to allow for quicker X-rays, developers have left room for greater expansion and remodeling in the future.

Katie Smith, a health unit coordinator, told The Chronicle the new ER gives doctors and nurses more space to work, and more comfort to patients.

“The new ER has more room, square-footage wise, but it’s not that big because there will be so much going on. Whether it feels bigger will depend on who you are,” she said.

The ER is also equipped with two new elevators, and can handle mass casualties like chemical attacks and toxic spills.

Air Med flight teams also have their own area with large windows that allow them to watch the weather.