MOORESVILLE, IND. – Those who travel State Road 67 have noticed a significant change to the appearance of St. Francis Hospital-Mooresville over the past two years. The hospital, originally known as a renowned specialty hospital is completing its transition to a full-service community hospital with its largest-ever campus expansion. The new space will be open to patients on Monday, April 21.
As part of the $42 million expansion, the hospital adds a 34-bed orthopaedic inpatient unit, a 26-bed adult medical-surgical inpatient unit, an eight-bed Intensive Care Unit, six new operating rooms, a new laboratory and an on-site office for Indiana Heart Physicians for expanded cardiac services.
The hospital’s now larger main lobby gallery also features a coffee bar and gift shop. In total, the hospital has grown from 258,000 square feet to nearly 400,000 square feet during this expansion.
"Although St. Francis Hospital-Mooresville has been in a growth mode for the past several years, the completion of this stage of construction is the most significant to our patients because it will greatly enhance both health care services offered and the patient’s hospital experience," said Robert J. Brody, president and chief executive officer, St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers. "And what’s exciting is there are more enhancements to come.
"The expansion is the continuation of an eight-year investment in this hospital to address the health care needs of the growing northern Morgan, Hendricks and southwestern Marion counties," Brody added. "Our goal with this expansion is to offer the best health care available right in this community, so the large number of area residents who have been leaving Morgan County to receive medical services get the care they need close to home."
Enhancing the inpatient experience with modern private rooms
The new orthopaedic and adult inpatient nursing units offer private patient rooms, modern conveniences and the latest technology for patients and the medical team.
"Patients deserve and expect modern and peaceful environments during their hospital stay," said Keith Jewell, senior vice president and chief operating officer, St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers. "Our new private patient rooms were designed with both patients and their family members in mind, as we know that the support of loved ones is critical during the recovery process."
Each inpatient room is equipped with two flat-screen televisions, a sofa that converts to a bed for an overnight guest, a desk and wireless Internet connectivity. Additionally, careful consideration was given to the views from patient rooms, and two large rooftop gardens are visible from many of the rooms to help promote a healing environment.
Physicians and medical staff have access to wireless communication technology and bedside charting for improved caregiver communication and efficiency. Patient care stations are located outside patient rooms in addition to centralized nursing stations, enabling physicians and nurses to perform their responsibilities closer to the patient.
The hospital’s current inpatient units will be converted into a convent for the Sisters of St. Francis. The building that formerly housed the hospital’s operating rooms will be demolished this summer to create additional parking for the new medical office building that is under construction.
Offering the latest surgical technology
Six new surgery suites offer the latest in surgical technology, including a high-tech video and photography system in every operating room. The system is used for viewing X-rays during surgery; printing or copying photos to a CD, flash drive or to patients’ charts for later reference; and for teaching demonstrations and information-sharing with other physicians.
Additionally, the operating rooms are equipped with laminar airflow and ultraviolet light technology for sterilization, which is critical in preventing infection.
Planning continues for hospital’s future Emergency Department
A major piece of the hospital’s expansion is the development of an Emergency Department, scheduled to open in October 2008. St. Francis Hospital-Mooresville continues to recruit the full complement of physicians, specialists and nurses required to staff the future full-service Emergency Department.
‘We realize community members are eagerly awaiting the opening of our Emergency Department later this year," Jewell said. "Residents who live in northern Morgan County currently have to travel more than 15 miles to receive emergency services. When St. Francis Hospital-Mooresville’s Emergency Department opens later this year, it will provide community members high-quality emergency care close to home, as well as peace of mind."
The hospital continues to offer high-quality urgent care services through PromptMed, which treated almost 20,000 patients in 2007.
Hosting a grand opening celebration for community members
On Saturday, April 19, community residents are invited to St. Francis Hospital-Mooresville, located at 1201 Hadley Road, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a sneak preview community health event. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the new facility before it officially opens to patients and participate in nearly a dozen health screenings and demonstrations. The event will be held in the new main lobby gallery and inpatient building. The event is free and open to the public. Shuttle service is available.
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