We pre-recorded today's conversation with Becky Myers - Director of Acute Care, and Delores Gehr - Clinical Manager for Warren Memorial Hospital to learn exactly what's involved with moving an entire hospital to a new location. This is part of our ongoing Community Health series in partnership with Valley Health. You can hear all of the conversations in this series here: https://theriver953.com/valleyhealthpodcast/
Becky walked us through how the long the planning has been happening to make this a seamless & successful move. We talked about the order in which things will go to the new location and about a few hiccups they have and those they are planning for - just in case.
Delores explained the moving of the emergency department and what types of training they've already done for staff and local first responders. The new Emergency Department will open at the new site at 6am on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. ALL emergencies should go to the new location after that date/time. Those who arrive at the old location will be sent to the new hospital.
We discussed several of the details from a recent press release from Valley Health (below) and talked about how excited staff are about the addition of the trails on the new property.
To follow along with the progress, visit their website by clicking here.
FROM VALLEY HEALTH:
A Healthcare Campus Like No Other
Every aspect of our new campus was designed with the safety, convenience and comfort of our patients in mind, from all private patient rooms that are awash with natural light and offer breathtaking views, to easier access to outpatient services, including an adjoining medical building that brings together, under one roof, more than 50 providers representing a range of specialties.
Inpatient Care
We want your hospital stay to be as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Our spacious, all-private 36-bed unit includes a Critical Care Step Down for patients whose care needs require a higher level of observation and support. In addition to expanding the number of Critical Care beds from eight to 12, the rooms are larger with an open concept that facilitates closer monitoring. While we have adopted a new name for this unit, we are able to provide the exact same level of skill and expertise as in our former ICU.
Features include:
- Private bathroom large enough to accommodate a wheelchair or walker; no-step shower with chair; additional safety features and space for needed equipment and staff.
- New beds that are more ergonomically designed for patient comfort and promote safer transfers in and out of bed; built-in ability to weigh patients directly in bed (crucial for weight-based medications).
- Built-in seating for visitors and family.
- Dedicated inpatient physical and occupational therapy gym that promotes closer collaboration and coordination with nursing and rehabilitation staff; includes cardiac equipment and strength machines, stairs, full-functioning bath and shower along with other equipment used in activities of daily living.
- Spirituality room for use by patients, visitors and staff.
- Documentation and charting capabilities directly at the bedside that encourages patients and families to be more active members of the care team.
- The building's footprint maximizes our connection with the natural beauty that surrounds us.
Emergency Department
One of the hallmarks of our custom-built hospital is our vastly expanded Emergency Department. Recognizing that our ED team is on the frontlines of medicine and often has the best opportunity to make the most difference in a patient's outcome, we have carefully designed every aspect of this 18-bed unit. By optimizing efficiencies, augmenting patient safety and privacy and forging a stronger partnership with community Emergency Medical Services, we have created an environment that is worthy of our team's expertise and our patients' expectations.
Features include:
- An increase from 13 to 18 beds with shell space for four additional beds.
- A 5-bed Clinical Decision Unit that allows for better clinical management of patients requiring extended monitoring, reducing the need for an inpatient admission.
- Larger trauma rooms that allow staff to safely maneuver around multiple pieces of equipment; state-of-the-art booms that improve lighting and access to medical gasses.
- Dedicated rooms designed to meet the unique needs of Bariatric and Behavioral Health patients
- Enhanced space for EMS, including larger supply room and dedicated decontamination room reducing the need to set up a mobile tent in the event of a biohazardous incident.
- New stretchers that are more ergonomically designed for patient comfort and promote safer transfer in and out of the bed; built-in ability to weigh patients directly in the bed (crucial to administering weight-based medications).
- Medical Imaging (CT, x-ray, MRI) located within the unit and dedicated ultrasound unit.
- FAA-approved helipad (that isn't located in the parking lot!)
Using Technology to Its Fullest Advantage
We depend on technology every day, within the traditional walls of the hospital and beyond, which is why we paid extra attention to designing a "smart" facility that will help our staff work more efficiently and allow us to continually improve quality of care.
- Patient Call Bell – an integrated system that allows patients to more specifically identify needs. Notifications go directly to the appropriate team member's portable phone, providing the right information to the right person and allowing for faster and more appropriate responses.
- Patient Monitoring – screen shots of a patients vitals and other important data are sent directly to the nurse's phone allowing for more immediate decision making.
- MyChart Bedside – inpatients have access to a tablet and a smart TV that open a world of possibilities. From sending and receiving message with your care team and accessing important information, including vital signs, test results and patient education materials to choosing your meals, streaming your favorite shows, play games or listen to music.
- Pneumatic Tube System – While patients may never encounter our extensive transport system hidden behind the walls, it's another way we're using technology to increase efficiencies and optimize staff workflow. The tube system connects hospital departments with each other, providing fast, efficient delivery of medications, specimens and documents.
