Antelope Memorial Hospital remodeling project underway

"This fall, we're excited to begin the remodeling of our patient rooms and nursing floor which were built in the 1970s," said Diane Carlin, CEO of Antelope Memorial Hospital. "It will allow us to update and expand our patient rooms and improve the delivery of quality care, including care for COVID patients.

The $3.7 million project will be completed in three phases to allow AMH to continue operating during construction."

During the remodel, AMH will have 11 patient rooms available to care for up to 15 patients, added Carlin. Four of the 11 rooms may be dedicated to care for up to six COVID patients.

"We feel we'll be very capable of caring for the same number of patients as we had last year, or more if needed. In addition, AMH's 'age of plant' status has risen in recent years, as compared to other Nebraska hospitals of our size. This remodeling project will go far in reducing our 'age of plant' status while helping us to maintain the continuum of health care excellence found at AMH," Carlin said.

AMH is currently licensed for 23 beds and will drop to 17 beds.

"Decreasing the number of beds allows us to increase the size of the patient rooms, as well as the number of private rooms.

Each of the patient rooms will have negative airflow with the HVAC system and new heating and air conditioning. The updated rooms will offer more space and easy access to shower/ toilet, better lighting and oxygen units with suction and med gas capabilities.

Two of the rooms will be isolation rooms. One of the rooms will have a lift suspension for transporting patients from bed to bathroom, to accommodate larger patients and protect nursing staff from lifting injuries.

In Phase 1, five patient rooms and a physician workroom, in the north/northwest areas, will be remodeled into five larger patient rooms with six patient beds. This area will also have an ante alcove, remodeled tub room, soiled hold area and the addition of a nurses' substation located near rooms dedicated for possible COVID patients.

Phases 2 and 3 are scheduled to begin on March 15, 2022 and Sept. 15, 2022, respectively.

These phases will include remodeled patient rooms, supply area, medication room, nurses' station, staff break room and dictation room. The project will also provide a new nourishment center, expanded storage area for wheelchairs and meal carts and a room for staff to speak privately with family members.

"Last year's pandemic was a key reason for moving forward with this remodel," said Carlin.

"Despite the challenges, the pandemic brought out the special qualities of service to others' that our staff has. Our medical staff and nurses worked on the front lines in caring for our COVID patients. They remained brave, compassionate and dedicated to their patients – despite the risks to their own health and that of their families. They often worked long and stressful hours. In addition, staff members of physical and respiratory therapy, environmental services, lab, clinic and many others also worked diligently to serve our patients. I'm truly proud of our staff and how they handled the challenges we faced – it was a team effort!"