Hospital unveils $3.7 million remodling project

Area residents received the red carpet treat, June 29, as Antelope Memorial Hospital unveiled its latest updates.

"We rolled out the red carpet at Antelope Memorial Hospital to celebrate the open house for our newly remodeled patient rooms/nursing floor and infusion room," said Diane Brugger, AMH chief executive officer. "More than 100 individuals from area communities attended."

The $3.7 million project started in September 2021 and completed in three phases to allow the hospital to continue operating during construction, according to Brugger.

"The 2020 pandemic was a key reason for moving forward with the remodel," she said.

The number of patient beds was decreased to allow for an increase in the size of each remodeled patient room and number of private rooms. Each of the remodeled patient rooms includes:

• Its own shower and offers more space and easy access to its shower/toilet;

• Negative air pressure capabilities, greatly reducing the spread of possible pathogens;

• New heating and air conditioning;

• Enhanced lighting that is also adjustable;

• Oxygen units with suction and med gas capabilities;

• Greater access to electrical resources for meeting today's technological needs for patient care;

• All bed mattresses have been replaced for added comfort;

• Added patient safety. All beds have special safety features with alarms that may be used to alert nursing staff – of a patient sitting up, getting too close to the bed's edge and/or getting out of bed without help;

• Other added safety and enhanced flow of services. Patient call lights alert nursing staff at call light center located at the nursing station of each patient's call while also indicating reason for said call. In addition, the call light system alerts nursing staff when a patient's IV needs replaced if the IV buzzer is not heard.

Two rooms are dedicated for patients in isolation, such as pneumonia, influenza or COVID, with negative air pressure capabilities.

A nearby ante/alcove area conveniently provides sinks and storage for clean gowns, masks and face shields. This allows personnel to deliver care to isolated patients safely while helping to eliminate the spread of contagious pathogens.

A second nurses' station is located near rooms dedicated for patients requiring isolation, enhancing flow of services.

AMH's new remodel also includes a bariatric room. It has a bariatric bed which supports patients of size and is extra wide and adjustable to allow patients enhanced ease of positioning and more comfort. The bed also has special alarms to detect patient motion. In addition, the room has a ceiling lift suspension for transporting patients from bed to the bathroom, to accommodate larger patients and protect nursing staff from lifting injuries.

Other special features of the project include a spacious main nursing station which houses the patient call light system and camera to view numerous locations and entry areas of hospital.

The project also offers a new hydrotherapy room, nursing staff breakroom, dictation room and nursery, located near the nurses’ station with lock-key entry.

"The new infusion room allows AMH to grow its services for infusions of antibiotics, chemotherapy and/or other specialty infusions or injections, including hormones, vitamins, etc.," said Brugger. "Each of the four infusion units offers a heated recliner, documentation station for nursing, privacy and relaxation. A television is in each unit. Plus, a station with coffee and water will be on-site.

"AMH’s new infusion room conveniently offers services close-to-home, saving travel time and expenses," Brugger said.

"Overall, the newly remodeled areas are aesthetically pleasing and spacious to both our patients and staff. In addition, the layout greatly enhances the flow and efficacy of patient services delivered. Our new nursing floor will also help retain and attract the professionals required to maintain the continuum of health care excellence found at AMH," added Brugger.