Congressman Chris Smith announced today the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded a grant to St. Francis Medical Center in Trenton.

    “This funding will help pay for technology improvements to St. Francis Medical Center’s E.R. and outpatient clinics,” said Smith. “St. Francis and its employees serve an inner city community and surrounding suburban area. This will help modernize a facility that serves many uninsured and underinsured residents.”

    The $235,620 grant is from the HHS Health Care and Other Facilities Program. It will offset the expected $400,000 cost of a new record keeping system the hospital is purchasing.

    The new system will feature a triage and tracking module to improve the flow of patient care in the Emergency Department, clinical documentation tools, and the ability to exchange information with ancillary systems including laboratory, radiology and pharmacy departments. This equipment is intended to improve security, privacy, and efficiency for patients and their families.

    The flow of services between the Emergency Department and the specialty and walk-in clinics will be greatly improved to better meet the needs of patients.
 
    The hospital estimates it treats approximately 30,000 patients in its Emergency Department each year. Located in Trenton on Hamilton Avenue, the hospital was founded by the Sisters of St. Francis in 1874, and is a non-profit healthcare organization.