It didn’t take long for the first patients to arrive when the new Abrazo Surprise Hospital opened its doors Oct. 12. A wide range of patients were treated in the Emergency Department, and the hospital logged its first inpatient admission before day’s end.

“The fact that patients were seeking us out so quickly reinforces there is a need for hospital services in the City of Surprise,” said Abrazo Surprise Hospital Administrative Director Chrissy Salazar, RN.

Located at the southwest corner of Loop 303 and West Bell Road, the hospital includes an emergency department, operating room and eight inpatient rooms for those needing observation or overnight stays. The hospital is prepared to serve patients of all ages from the Northwest Valley.

Among the first through the hospital doors was Catherine Rech of Surprise, who brought grandson Dylan LaRochelle to the ER with a hand injury.

“We are so excited to have you guys here, and the ease, right off the 303 and Bell, the convenience of it. They screened us, got us right in, took all of our information, did the triage, right into (the ER), saw the doctor, and it’s just been a nice flow,” said Rech.

Charles Cunningham of Litchfield Park works nearby and watched the hospital being built. Not feeling well, he went to the Abrazo Surprise ER and ended up being the hospital’s first inpatient overnight admission.

“It was very comfortable, the care was good. It didn’t have a ‘new hospital feel,’ it felt like it had been open for a long time. I give it 10s all the way around,” said Cunningham.

Abrazo Surprise Hospital provides medical care beyond what’s available at an urgent care or freestanding emergency center.

“Abrazo Surprise Hospital has 24/7 emergency and general surgery coverage,” explained Salazar. “With capabilities like surgical services, a full emergency department, inpatient rooms, ultrasound, x-ray and CT scan, laboratory, pharmacy and other services, residents can receive care closer to home.”

“If someone comes to our ER with abdominal pain and needs gall bladder or appendix surgery, for example, they can be admitted and the procedure performed here,” noted Salazar. “We can provide medical care beyond what’s available at an urgent care or freestanding emergency center.”

City officials and Abrazo Health leaders held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Oct. 7 to dedicate the new Abrazo Surprise Hospital, the city’s first hospital. Surprise Mayor Skip Hall applauded Abrazo’s investment in the community, noting the city’s rapid growth and need for nearby hospital services for city residents.

Dr. Brian Hess, medical director of Emergency Services for Abrazo Health, noted the community benefit during the ribbon cutting.

“Whether it’s fractures, lacerations or illness, what sets our hospital apart is the capability of extending care beyond the ER to the operating room, or admitting patients to our inpatient unit for lower acuity medical conditions. It’s about providing the right care in the right place.”

Abrazo Surprise Hospital is located at 16815 W. Bell Rd. in Surprise, Ariz.