Orthopaedics Unit to Move for Remodel
DAVENPORT, IOWA - The Orthopaedics Unit on the Genesis, West Central Park campus will be relocated today to make way for a remodeling project that will bring new paint, flooring, wall coverings and lighting, a new family lounge and an expanded nurses’ station.
During the project, the 7th Floor unit will be moved to a 20-bed, 3rd Floor area once occupied by the Transitional Skilled Unit, which was closed last year. Construction will take about three months.
“It will look like a new floor when we’re done,” says Chris VonHolten, project management specialist with Planning and Construction, who is coordinating the project. “The space will be much more accommodating and inviting for everyone.”
There are 60 employees in the Orthopaedics Unit, which treats patients with musculoskeletal problems ranging from total joint replacements, tendon and ligament repairs, and traumatic injuries. Readying for the move has required detailed planning by staff, including: Jackie Anhalt, RN, MS, CRRN, Manager, Orthopaedics; Mary Chilberg, RN; Heidi Hess, RN; Amy Pollock, Unit Assistant; and Kim Riley, Unit Assistant; along with a number of Genesis departments.
Moving a hospital unit is like choreographing an intricate dance —- it’s comprised of smaller steps that must be sequenced to ensure continued patient care and safety.
For example, Environmental Services staff must first clear out the old Transitional Skilled Unit and clean each room. Engineering/Maintenance/Construction must make sure sharps/glove boxes, blood pressure cuffs, trash cans, canister holders and suction heads are placed in each room. Computers need to be relocated, and phones changed or forwarded – that’s the job of Information Technology. Security will install door locks and move badge access to the medications room. Pharmacy must move the automated medication dispensing system and stock the meds room. On moving day, Environmental Services staff will assist with moving furniture, office equipment and supplies.
The move was scheduled for today because Fridays are generally a low surgical day, and there are fewer patients who stay into the weekend. Beginning about mid-morning, those who will be staying through the weekend will be moved, one every half-hour, to the 3rd Floor. Extra Ortho staff will be called in because staff will be required on two floors at the same time.
Redesigned, more efficient
With the 7th Floor rooms cleared, construction crews will begin their work Monday. The heaviest construction will take place in the center of the floor, which will be opened up to give nurses a better view of patient rooms around the unit and allow for more natural lighting.
A larger nurses’ station will provide more room to work and store items and will have four openings to relieve congestion and make it easier for nurses to get to patient rooms.
The remodeling also will bring the pneumatic tube system, used for transporting specimens and medications, into the nurses’ station. Its new, central location will make it more convenient and efficient for staff to use. Other improvements will include the addition of two new hand-washing stations, one on either side of the nurses’ station, a conference room for staff and a new patient/family lounge.
Anhalt, who was an interior designer before a career switch to nursing, used those talents to provide input and assist in planning the new space, picking colors and patterns that create a calming environment.
“A hospital stay or visit is an anxious time. We want people who come onto the unit to immediately feel not only welcomed, but also comfortable and reassured,” Anhalt says. “We’re all very excited about the project and can’t wait to see it finished.”
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