Gift supports Emergency Department observation unit

When patients visit an emergency department, there’s often a point when they require no further emergency care or admission to the hospital but are not yet ready to be discharged. Thanks to a $500,000 gift from Patrizio Vinciarelli, a longtime benefactor of Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital and founder and CEO of Vicor, the Emergency Department has a new observation unit where patients can be carefully monitored during this in-between time.

The Vinciarelli Family Emergency Department Observation Unit on the fifth floor of the main building features 12 beds in private rooms, half of which overlook the picturesque Arnold Arboretum. In this quiet unit far from the bustle and noise of the Emergency Department, patients who don’t need to be admitted will continue to be observed and monitored after their initial evaluation. They will receive regular clinical rounding by emergency medicine and nursing specialists, as well as medication administration, diagnostic testing, care coordination and social work support.

“The Faulkner has always been there for me when I needed it,” says Vinciarelli, who receives the majority of his care there. “I’m honored to be able to give back to the hospital in this way as it expands to better support our community.”

“We deeply appreciate the Vinciarelli family’s generous gift,” says BWFH President David McCready. “Improving and providing physical spaces to meet the needs of our patients allows us as a hospital to always be on the leading edge of providing the most patient-centered care. Gifts like this allow us to live out our vision of providing our patients with the right care at the right time in the right setting.”

Published 9/29/22