Area leaders get update on UAB facility, opening date announced
North Jefferson County first responders, city leaders and ministers got an update on the UAB emergency department and medical facility slated to open early next year in Gardendale. The UAB facility, located off Mt. Olive Road, is scheduled to open on Jan. 15, 2019. The facility will host a ribbon cutting and open house on Jan. 13 at 2 p.m.
The emergency facility will have all the capabilities as a regular emergency room, although most critically injured patients will still be routed to the downtown emergency room. The ER in Gardendale will have the ability to treat people of all ages, including pediatric patients.
The medical building with have primary care physicians, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, gastrointestinal care, orthopedics, cardiology and many other specialty care resources. The facility will also have digital X-Ray, ultrasound and other testing abilities that will allow patients to visit that facility rather than traveling downtown in many cases.
UAB officials also addressed the issue of traffic concerns in the area, citing the concerns parents have voiced because of the facilities proximity to Gardendale Elementary, Bragg Middle School and Gardendale High School. The employees will report at non traditional hours and many of the appointments will be scheduled at non-peak times to attempt to prevent traffic issues. The facility will also have a plan for ambulances that may need to access the facility at peak times, including routing them in from another direction, according to officials. Those with questions are encouraged to attend the ribbon cutting and open house.