It wasn't too long ago that the fate of Lakeside Memorial Hospital's obstetrical department was in question. But now, that department is undergoing a major renovation of that department in order to bring it up to the standards both physicians and patients have come to expect. "People - both physicians and patients - have expectations of what they want to see in an OB department," Kevin Nacy, interim president of Lakeside Hospital and chief financial officer, said. "We're dealing with a wing that was constructed in 1963 when showers in the hallway were the norm. Today's patients and physicians expect, and should have access to, amenities right in their rooms." Donna DuPont, director of nursing, obstetrical services, said the project involves taking the existing space and bringing it up to date. "We're going to offer single room maternity care," she said. "The upgrades will offer the patients more privacy, security and a better experience." The project will create eight suites in the current OB wing. Giving birth, whether as a first time parent or not, is a joyous, yet stressful time and DuPont said if a hospital can not only offer quality care, but also surroundings that are conducive to relaxation, the birthing process is much easier and more enjoyable. "When a patient enjoys their surroundings, it sets the tone for a more satisfying experience and with the renovations we are undertaking, the whole delivery of care system will be changed," she said. "Patients will be in the same room for both delivery and post partum care. They won't have to be moving from a delivery room back and forth to a private room." The enhancements to the OB department, DuPont said, will help the hospital recruit and retain both physicians and nursing staff. "Physicians want to be affiliated with a modern up-to-date facility and as our OB department is one of the oldest in the community, doctors and patients simply aren't seeing the kinds of amenities they are at other hospitals," Nacy said. "Patients and physicians who practice here always say they have a great experience but would like more up-to-date surroundings." Mark Edwards, vice president of Physical Plant Operations, Maintenance and Development, said the hospital has set up an OB wing on the third floor to accommodate patients during the six-month renovation. "The OB department will be relocated on Monday (February 27) for the duration of the project," he said. "There won't be any disruption of patient care - they will simply be on a different floor." Krystyna Staub, director of development and community relations of the Lakeside Foundation, said, "This is an exciting time for Lakeside. We've completed our capital campaign and raised $2.5 million for this project. It's great to see everything coming to fruition." Town of Sweden Supervisor Nat O. Lester said the community is fortunate to have a resource like Lakeside in its midst. "We're particularly fortunate at this time that Lakeside is undertaking the renovation of the OB department to bring our residents the latest care options that are available," he said. "The services that Lakeside offers are important to the quality of life here in Sweden and in our neighboring communities." "We really want to thank the community for standing up, coming together and making this project possible," Nancy said. "At the annual forum last year there was a question of what we were going to do with this project and we're happy to be kicking off this construction and being able to deliver the type of quality OB department the community needs and wants." Lakeside Foundation staff is putting together a "renovation kick off celebration" on March 15 at 6 p.m. in the X-ray/lab area of the hospital. Details about the upcoming event are still being finalized, she said. Lakeside Memorial Hospital birth stats
February 26, 2006 |
