The Heartbeat of the Community: The Vital Role of Sequatchie Valley Emergency Room

In the heart of the Sequatchie Valley lies a lifeline for the community—a place where quality healthcare is more than just a service; it’s a commitment to improving the well-being of those who call this area home. The Sequatchie Valley Emergency Room (SVED), part of Erlanger Hospitals, has become an indispensable resource, providing essential medical care to the residents of Sequatchie County and surrounding areas.

Local Care

For many in the community, the presence of SVED has been transformative. Jennifer Howard, Clinical Nurse Manager, reflects on the profound impact the facility has had, stating, “The greatest impact is the improvement of health for the residents of our community. Erlanger Sequatchie Valley provides local access to quality medical care. Whether it is emergency services or outpatient services.”

The availability of such comprehensive care has been a game-changer, ensuring that life-saving medical attention is never far away. This proximity to care has significantly improved the health outcomes for many residents, who no longer need to travel long distances in critical situations.

Community

For long-time Erlanger staff like Laura Allen, who has served for over 31 years, SVED represents more than just a place of work—it’s a chance to give back to the community she loves. “I’m extremely thankful that Erlanger opened up SVED. It has allowed me to continue my Erlanger career, now 31+ years, in my hometown. It has also given me the privilege to serve my local community/family and friends. Positive impacts I’ve seen in the Dunlap community include quicker access to emergency care, emergency services provided by members of your own community, provided healthcare-related jobs in the Valley, and allowing high school students the opportunity to experience healthcare in an ER setting.”

Employment

The emergency room has provided critical healthcare services and created employment opportunities, contributing to the local economy. The facility employs approximately fifty individuals, many of whom are residents. Patsy Brown, HR Site Coordinator/Recruiter, shared a memorable story from the opening day of SVED, which exemplifies the facility’s commitment to community care: “I will always remember the opening day for SVED. A large group was gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the facility when a car pulled into the front entrance carrying a patient who needed emergency healthcare. Ester Barker, Nurse Manager, secured a wheelchair and immediately took the patient to be admitted for care, and we all carried on with the ceremony.”

This story highlights the dedication of the SVED team, who prioritize patient care above all else. The facility’s small size has fostered a close-knit, family-like environment where teamwork is seamless and patients receive care from familiar, friendly faces. As Wendy Nicely, CT Technologist, observes, “From the beginning, we have had patients that have thanked us for being here and being so kind to them. I feel that since we are small, we are more like a family, which helps us not only work together as a team so easily, but it’s good for patients to see familiar faces and see how well we work together to provide great patient care.”

Convenience

The ability to receive quality care close to home is a relief for many, as Lora Dawson, Patient Service Representative, noted: “Knowing there is quality healthcare within reach. Many residents in our community like ‘crossing the mountain,’ and they love that they can have labs and x-rays done and see a doctor for emergencies here at home.”

SVED is more than just an emergency room; it is a cornerstone of the community, offering vital healthcare services and creating a sense of security for the residents of Sequatchie Valley. Its impact is felt daily, whether through life-saving emergency interventions, accessible outpatient services, or the simple comfort of knowing that help is always close by. As it continues to grow and evolve, the Sequatchie Valley Emergency Room remains a testament to the power of local healthcare in enhancing the quality of life for all it serves.

Sequatchie Valley Emergency Department is located at 16931 Rankin Ave., Dunlap, TN 37327. The phone number is 423-949-2000.