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Clinical Director Christy Land, R.N., (left), enters data into a computerized documentation station while Raven Currie, R.N., attends to a patient in the newly renovated Richmond Memorial Hospital Intensive Care Unit.
A recent remodeling project at FirstHealth Richmond Memorial Hospital is making a difference for families and patients.
“The project to refurbish our Intensive Care Unit (ICU) offers a variety of enhancements that directly and indirectly improve patient care,” says Christy Land, R.N., ICU clinical director. “Although we did not increase the actual size of the unit, we reorganized the area to take advantage of the existing space and to add special features that improve patient safety, staff efficiency and personal comfort.”
A $200,000 contribution from the Richmond Memorial Hospital Foundation, which included funds from the A.A. Webb Association, assisted with the renovation. The total cost of the project totaled about $350,000.
“The tradition of ‘giving back’ is strong in Richmond County,” says Ken Goodman, chairman of the Richmond Memorial Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees. “Our hospital has kept in step with changes in health care thanks to the continued generosity of our community. The recent changes to the RMH ICU are further evidence of the benefit of investing in local health services. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, makes a difference.”
The RMH ICU now includes 12 beds with updated headwalls piped for oxygen as well as extra outlets to accommodate needed equipment. The new unit also incorporates a monitoring system complete with advanced touch screen technology.
New computerized documentation stations not only enable providers to complete documentation immediately, but also allow physicians and other health professionals to provide education right at the bedside.
“We installed glass break-away doors for each room,” says Land. “This improves visibility and provides for better patient safety. It also helps make the movement of equipment and patients more efficient and comfortable.”
Other changes include a new nursing station, the expansion of a supply/medication room to house needed patient care supplies and an on-site work station for physicians and case managers.
“Our ‘new’ ICU is bright and airy,” says Land. “It is a more pleasant place for our patients and their families. Through simple changes, we have created an atmosphere where our staff can be more efficient and our patients are safe and comfortable.”
The project, which was initiated in March 2009, was completed in four phases to avoid disruption.
As the result of a fundraising drive in the hospital’s early years, the A.A. Webb Fund was named for local leader and philanthropist Ammie Webb who worked tirelessly on behalf of Richmond Memorial Hospital beginning in the late 1940s. He was the first president of the hospital’s Board of Trustees, and served consistently whenever he was needed over a 20-year period from 1952 to 1972.
Due to management of the fund, the FirstHealth Richmond Memorial Hospital Foundation was able to use interest from the fund to pay for the ICU renovations. Upholding the legacy of community support, the Foundation has also initiated a Scroll campaign to replenish the $200,000 for the capital improvements and support the Richmond Memorial CARE Fund, which supports advocacy for patients and families.
For more information about the Richmond Memorial Hospital Foundation, please contact Tammy Benson at (910) 417-3701.
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