University of Maryland Shore Regional Health celebrated the completion of the newly renovated critical care unit on the 2nd floor of the north wing of UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown on Thursday afternoon, April 21, 2016. About 75 guests turned out for the occasion, including nurses, physicians and hospital staff as well as Chester River Health Foundation Board members and interested members of the community.
The renovation project included the creation of a new, more modern nursing and physicians station; the addition of a private bathroom in one patient room that can be used to isolate patients with airborne infections; the installation of ceiling-mounted equipment for safe patient lifting in two rooms; new finishes in the integrated unit; and new paint in the north corridor.
At the grand opening event, UM Shore Regional Health President and CEO Ken Kozel noted that the renovation makes it possible for nurses and physicians working on the unit to improve the quality and efficiency of critical care. “Opening up the unit and creating this more modern and centralized work station for our physicians and nurses provides a better line of sight to all beds in the unit. The project also includes new technology for lifting patients and for providing isolation care when needed,” he stated.
Kozel also acknowledged the Chester River Health Foundation and the generous donations from members of the community that made the renovation possible. The Foundation has funded $233,000 of the project’s total cost of $283,000. “I am pleased to thank both to the Foundation Board and the many community residents whose support helps advance the quality of care in this hospital,” said Kozel.
Speaking on behalf of the UM Shore Regional Health Board of Directors, Myra S. Butler also expressed enthusiasm for the project’s completion. “Creating a modern, efficient and attractive environment for patients at all levels of care is central to UM Shore Regional Health’s vision of Being the Region’s Leader in Patient Centered Care,” said Butler. “The transformation of this unit is truly dramatic and we are confident it will be seen as a great improvement by our doctors, nurses and other care providers, and of course, by our patients and their families.”
Sandra Bjork addressed the guests on behalf of the UM Chester River Health Foundation, which she serves as assistant secretary. “Having worked in health care my entire career, as a nurse and then as an attorney on the regulatory side, I know there is nothing more important than quality,” Bjork said, adding that quality care results in healthy patient outcomes. She also said that thanks to generous support from the community, the Board of the Chester River Health Foundation has been honored to play a significant role in enhancing patient care at the hospital.
Hospital staff members Beth Copp, building operations manager, and Sandy Prochaska, inpatient nurse manager, also spoke briefly, offering thanks to Whiting-Turner and their subcontractors for their safe, customer-focused work and for finishing the project ahead of schedule; and to their colleagues in several hospital departments for working together throughout the construction progress.
At the conclusion of formal remarks, nurses Karen Hemingway and Mickey Roderick demonstrated various technologies provided in two staged rooms, including the lift equipment. Mannequin “Fred,” dressed in formal attire for the occasion, was on hand to help demonstrate the ceiling-mounted lift equipment.