Major changes in store for obstetrics, pediatrics units at Indianapolis campus

Franciscan St. Francis Health unveils $36.5 million renovation project

INDIANAPOLIS – Already a recognized leader in labor and delivery and caring for high-risk infants, Franciscan St. Francis Health-Indianapolis is poised for a massive upgrade of its Women & Children’s Services (WCS) facilities.

The work gets under way mid-July and involves a significant remodeling of both obstetric and pediatric patient rooms. The hospital’s highly touted Level lll neonatal intensive care unit – the only unit of its kind on Indianapolis’ south side – will gain additional private rooms with more family-friendly space.

After entering the first-floor lobby, visitors also will have easy access
 to a variety of services and amenities. 

The 100,000-square-foot project encompasses the first through fourth floors of the Indianapolis hospital campus, located at 8111 S. Emerson Ave. Upon completion, guests will enjoy a host of positive changes, starting with a new and welcoming main entrance and lobby. Those looking for a refreshing break during their hospital visit can sip their favorite brew at a high-end coffee shop and browse through a retail shop.

When the work is completed (projected early 2015), patients and their families will be greeted by  escorts and helpful patient convenience items. After entering the first-floor lobby, visitors also will have easy access to Women’s Health Services offices, massage therapy, Maternal Fetal Medicine, Pelvic Health Services and an Outpatient Lactation Consultation Clinic.

“We are excited to embark on these enhancements and are responding to the expectations of patients and their families,” said Keith Jewell, executive vice president and chief operating officer. “Our focus always has been on family-centered care, and the modern design of the new facilities reflects this well, with larger rooms, beautiful decor and many other thoughtful amenities.”

More than 45,000 babies have been born at the Indianapolis hospital since 1995, when obstetric and pediatric services were consolidated at that campus.  An average of 2,400 infants are delivered annually at the facility. 

“Throughout life, women have many questions about how best to manage their health and that of their families, particularly when they are expecting the birth of a child,” said WCS Director Lori Warner. “We offer a full range of women's health care services, from yearly checkup and prenatal care to specialized gynecologic care. Our clinical staff are respected experts in all areas of women’s health.”

More of what moms and their families will find when the renovation is completed:

•  7 triage rooms and an infusion area for newly admitted patients (2^nd floor)
• 12 expanded labor and delivery rooms (2^nd floor)
•   8 large antepartum suites with in-room refrigerators (2^nd floor)
•  2 operating room suites for caesarean procedures (2^nd floor)
• 36 postpartum suites and a nursery (3^rd floor)
• 24 private neonatal intensive care rooms (4^th floor)
• 10  “kid-friendly” pediatric rooms  (4^th floor)

Construction is being handled by HGA in coordination with Tonn & Blank.