Stories

Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center celebrated the completion and launch of a new rapid care unit as part of the hospital’s ongoing strategy to improve access to care in Napa Valley.

The space, referred to as the Napa Valley Vintners Rapid Care Unit, due to the association’s support of the Queen, features seven bays adjacent to the existing emergency department dedicated to the quick treatment and release of less critical patients. The rapid care unit will improve efficiency and reduce wait times for the more than 30,000 people who visit the emergency department each year.

“This new unit will be a game changer to help patients with less acute symptoms and minor injuries like bumps and bruises and potentially broken bones,” said Queen of the Valley Foundation President/CEO Rachael Poer. “The unit will allow us to decrease overall wait times, leading to a better experience for our patients.”

As Napa County’s only level III trauma center hospital, the new unit ensures the Queen remains well equipped to care for the community and provide the added flexibility required when responding to earthquakes, fires and other major emergencies.

“NVV is honored to be a long-time supporter of the Queen of the Valley Medical Center. Through our ongoing fundraising efforts and commitment to care for the community, we were able to make this significant donation. We’re honored to have contributed to the opening of this rapid care unit so that more community members can be cared for quickly,” said Cyril Chappellet, chairman of the board of directors for the Napa Valley Vintners and CEO and chairman of Chappellet Vineyard.

Common medical conditions typically treated in hospital rapid care units are urgent medical conditions that require care quickly, usually within 24 hours, but are not life-threatening emergencies, such as cold and flu symptoms, sinus infections, lacerations, scrapes and burns, wound care, sprains and strains, abdominal pain and other conditions.

Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) has provided 40-plus years of consistent community support, responding quickly and effectively during disasters and other challenges, and providing local nonprofits with funds to innovate. Since 1981, NVV has invested more than $230 million in local nonprofits and strategic initiatives in the areas of health care, youth development and the environment.

Thanks to generous support from the community, the completion of the rapid care unit and the opening of the Barbara Winiarski Stroke and Diagnostics Center in February are part of the Queen’s ongoing $14 million refresh of its emergency department. These new facilities further expand the hospital’s comprehensive services, supporting quality health care to all who live, work in and visit the Napa Valley.