Members of the Red Bank community rejoiced on Sunday with the homecoming of valuable medical and surgical services to Erlanger North Hospital. The much-needed services had been absent since 2009 when the hospital turned its focus to geriatric and emergency care. With the reopening, capacity and services increased with the addition of 12 new beds — allowing Erlanger North Hospital to better serve the entire community as a full-service hospital.
The event kicked off with a host of activities, including chats with Erlanger doctors (such as head cardiologist Dr. Charles Campbell) and football lessons with Chattanooga Mocs offensive coordinator Jeff Durden, while Erlanger’s VolunTeens supervised the younger visitors on the Original Astro Jump®.
Tours of the updated facility were offered by Erlanger North staff members for anyone in attendance, and the Red Bank Police and Fire departments — as well as Hamilton County EMS — gave tours of their emergency response vehicles.
To beat the heat, visitors of all ages enjoyed Mayfield ice cream bars and chilled out under the misting tent. The delicious summer smell of grilled burgers and hot dogs filled the air, while Sunny 92.3 supplied some great tunes to get people moving. Looie the Lookout even dropped in for some fun!
Just after 1:00 PM, the LIFE FORCE helicopter landed nearby, delivering not only Phil Jackson (CEO of Erlanger North) but also the Mayor of Red Bank John Roberts. The two, accompanied by Bill Moore Smith of UT Erlanger Sports and Health, spoke on behalf of the hospital, its staff, and its future patients — each welcoming the changes. Later, joined by Erlanger North’s CNO Martha Weeks, the group proudly unveiled the facility’s new sign. Instead of reading Erlanger North as it has for so many years, the sign now reads Erlanger North Hospital — representing the full-service hospital care now available.
For more information, go to www.erlanger.org/north, or to learn about the history and transition of Erlanger North Hospital, read this Times Free Press article.
