|
The old Intensive Care Unit (ICU), which was 3,775 square feet, had not been remodeled since the hospital was built in 1978.The new unit, located on the third floor, is 8,447 square feet. "We needed more space to accommodate today’s technology and the changing needs of our patients," said Ann Lockhart, director, medical-surgical nursing at Calvert Memorial Hospital. "For example," she said, "a patient recovering from vascular surgery may also suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure) or diabetes. This patient will need sophisticated equipment - which requires more space - to recover."
Patients in the ICU are very sick and require complex care. For this reason they are monitored very closely because their condition can change rapidly. The new unit has much larger patient rooms, 200 square feet compared to 120 square feet.
This is crucial, said Lockhart. The additional space has made room for updated monitoring equipment and bedside computer documentation. This allows the nurse to spend more time with the patient. More importantly, the larger rooms ensure a safe and comfortable environment for the patient and their family. The new ICU also provides additional telemetry beds. These are medical/surgical beds that are specially equipped to monitor the heart rate of cardiac patients.
|
The new ICU is a modern, efficient unit that combines the latest technology with a high level of comfort for patients and their families. The design incorporates key features that support intensive, focused care to monitor and treat the most serious conditions.
For instance, the new unit has additional storage space. “This allows the ICU to keep additional emergency equipment immediately available at all times,” said Lockhart. “In a critical situation – seconds count.”
Additionally, the new nurses station affords visibility of all patients. There is a designated area for physicians to use for dictation, a more comfortable waiting area and a consultation room for physicians to speak privately with families. The station also includes an upgraded medication system. CMH uses automated medication systems to ensure that patients receive the appropriate dose of the correct medication at the proper time – a key safety measure.
|
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Intensive Care Unit?
The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is designed to provide ongoing, intensive nursing care to those who are seriously ill or injured, or those who suffer from complex health conditions.
Why update the Intensive Care Unit now?
The current unit is extremely small. It has not been remodeled since the hospital was built in 1978. More space is needed to accommodate today's technology and the changing needs of our patients.
How do larger patient rooms improve care?
The additional space will make room for updated monitoring equipment and bedside computer documentation. This allows the nurse to spend more time with the patient. The larger rooms (200 square feet, compared to 120 before) will provide a safe and comfortable environment for the patient and their family.
Why is it important to have more equipment storage?
In a critical situation - seconds count. The additional storage space will allow the ICU to keep vital equipment close at hand.
What advantages will the new ICU offer?
The new nurses station affords visibility of all patients. There will be a designated area for physicians to use for dictation, an upgraded medication system, a more comfortable waiting area and a consultation room for physicians to speak privately with families.
Expansion Benefits | Emergency Department | Intensive Care Unit | Laboratory Services
Parking | Current Progress |
