BEACHWOOD, Ohio — University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center just opened it's new emergency department this week, and the additional services will be opening by the end of the month.
The $236 million dollar "Phase 2" project is bringing a state-of-the-art sports medicine facility, along with 500 new jobs.
The medical center nearly doubled in size with the addition of a 222,000-square-foot, three-story hospital pavilion addition, along with the 76,200-square-foot UH Drusinsky Sports Medicine Institute.
Inside is a 45-yard turf football field, basketball court, ballet bar, and the latest rehab equipment and sports medicine treatments available for every athlete, from pee wee to pro.
UH is the sports medical home of the Browns, Monsters, Cleveland Ballet, and nearly 70 high schools and colleges in Northeast Ohio. The first two floors of the facility are dedicated to sports medicine.
It even has a walk-in clinic, so athletes hurt at a game or practice can avoid the emergency department and go straight in
The third floor features the Cutler Center for Men, a unique space that took its cues from the hospitality industry to get men interested in coming to see their doctors. Everything men need through various life stages is offered here when it comes to medical care, but getting them out of the waiting room may not be so easy.
When they get off the elevator, there's nothing about it that "feels" medical. There's no check in station — they can either check in to their appointment with their phone, at a kiosk or by talking to a "Joe." Yes, UH hired a staff of health care advocates they call "Joes" who will help guide and navigate patients through their health care experience.
The waiting room feels like a sky box overlooking the football field. There's a pool table, foosball table, video games, large-screen TVs, a refreshment bar with healthy drinks and snacks, even a Zen area for those who want to find a little peace in the waiting room.
The sports medicine and men's health facility is just one part of the expansion: Also soon to open is the Steve and Loree Potash Women & Newborn Center that will offer labor and delivery services that also include higher level neonatal care. In addition, the UH Breast Center is located on the first floor.