On September 2, Via Christi broke ground on its Ascension Via Christi East ER, a freestanding emergency department near the intersection of E 21st Street N and N 127th Street E. The project is expected to be complete in mid 2027.
“Via Christi is committed to ensuring that people across our community have access to high-quality, compassionate care when and where they need it,” said Tripp Owings, Chief Executive Officer of Via Christi. “By bringing 24/7 emergency expertise directly to this neighborhood, we are strengthening our ability to meet the needs of those we’re privileged to serve and ensuring they have a direct link to the specialized care provided across our hospital campuses.”
Approximately 40 physicians and associates will staff the new 11,250-square-foot emergency department, which will include two triage rooms, ten treatment rooms, advanced imaging technology including an X-ray and CT scanner, and an onsite laboratory. More than 10,000 patients are expected to receive care annually at the site.
Ascension Via Christi East ER will serve as an additional access point for emergency care in the Wichita area. Patients needing continuing or specialized treatment can be seamlessly transferred, as needed, to one of Via Christi’s acute care hospitals.
Dr. Howard Chang, Medical Director for Via Christi St. Francis’ emergency department added, “Access to timely care is the cornerstone of emergency medicine, and this new site ensures that East Wichita residents have that resource in their own backyard. When every minute matters, access to care close to home can save lives.”
