Intensive Projects Focus on Enhancing Care for Our Patients Year in Review
Intensive Care Unit The expanded Intensive Care Unit (ICU), which opened in September of 2016, is designed for optimal patient and family privacy and the best visibility for nurses. The unit was expanded from 13 beds to 26 beds, the result of combining the Coronary Care Unit and the Intensive Care Unit into one area. The family-friendly design features a pullout sofa and private bathroom in each room. Rooms also feature patient lifts to help staff members safely move patients. Rooms also have an observation window that allows nurses to monitor patients without disturbing them. The Intensive Care waiting area is a mix of spaces that reflect how families actually use the areas. There are private areas for work, reading or private conversations, open areas for larger groups to wait and charging stations for electronics. Other components of the project include upgraded plumbing and electrical systems, and a new clinical elevator to serve the first through fourth floors, allowing surgical nursing units access to the ICU without transporting patients through public areas. These three projects are part of a $19 million construction project that began in December 2015, and is nearing completion.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
A completely redesigned Level III NICU opened in November 2017. The remodeled space focuses on the specialized privacy, quality nursing and family experience needs of newborns and their families. Soothing, light colors are enhanced with a living art wall, a large digital display that changes photos every 90 minutes. Modified private rooms replace the previous open concept. The central nursing station has been replaced with bedside work stations, bringing caregivers closer to their tiny patients and their families. Sidewalls provide ambient light, and cushioned floors reduce noise so that these growing babies are not disturbed as they rest. Glider rockers in each room give parents the opportunity to rock their baby. The rockers also recline to give family members the opportunity to get much-needed sleep while their little one sleeps. Throughout the unit, lighting is synced with the body’s circadian rhythm, promoting both mental and physical health, and encouraging the babies to adopt healthy sleep cycles. The unit also includes a nesting room designed for families whose babies are about to be dismissed. Furnished like a typical home bedroom, the room includes a seating area and regular-sized bed. Families use the space to adjust to caring for their infant without a nurse to help them understand what life will be like once they go home with their baby.
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