Catholic Medical Center (CMC) opens E-400 today, a new 10-bed medical/surgical unit with private rooms. The unit has been designed with patients and families in mind giving people more privacy and space.
“We designed the rooms so that the half with the doorway contains all the clinical care functions and technology. The other half includes space designed for individuals and families with sleeper sofas, workstations, bookshelves, computers, USB ports, phones, closets and other conveniences,” said Jennifer Torosian, RN, MSN, NEA-BC, Executive Director of Nursing, CMC. “Visitors won’t feel ‘in the way’ of patient care.”
The new unit offers a quiet, serene and healing environment. Soothing earth tones and rich textures offer more home-like warmth and comfort. Patients have more control of lighting and can even choose soothing blue low light for resting. Carpeted hallways keep traffic noises down. Routine tasks like bedding, laundry and medical supplies are tucked away behind cabinets reducing the clinical feel of the environment. There is even a recessed slot to tuck a walker into so it is always there but not in the way.
“The project is a pilot for us,” said Joseph Pepe, MD, President & CEO, CMC. “We are testing innovative approaches to increase comfort, safety and efficiency. In the months to come, we will be actively soliciting feedback from patients, visitors and staff to see what they think. This way we can integrate successful principles in other units.”
The E-400 single patient room also includes private bathrooms with storage for personal items and an integrated shower. “Independent self-care is major component of a hospital patient’s recovery,” said Torosian. “By bringing the shower into the patient’s bathroom we can promote daily living skills in a private environment with increased safety and support.” Some of the rooms on E-400 even feature motorized lifts that help a person travel from the bed or chair into the bathroom.
The unit also incorporates LEAN workflow processes to reduce steps by placing equipment and functions closer together. An example is the strategic placement of a sink and water cooler outside the medication room, so nursing staff doesn’t have to travel in opposite directions each time they administer a medication.
Materials are also engineered for safety and durability. The project architect was Lavalle Brensinger. Harvey Construction completed the project in an accelerated five-month timeframe.
In the photo: CMC President & CEO Joseph Pepe, MD, cuts the ribbon to celebrate the opening of a new 10-bed inpatient unit featuring private rooms and patient-centered design features.