News from Hamilton Health

Hamilton to offer Take it to Heart program - beginning June 3

Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Dr. Stephen Rohn

DALTON, Ga. – Hamilton Medical Center will offer its next Take it to Heart Program on Monday, June 3 at 6 p.m. and Saturday, June 8 at scheduled times. The program includes a free cardiac risk assessment and information to help you prevent future heart problems.

"By knowing your risk, you can take steps to avoid heart disease," said Stephen Rohn, MD, cardiologist.

Take it to Heart is a two-part program. The first part consists of an educational seminar at Hamilton’s Brown Conference Center, presented by Rohn. His presentation includes education on causes, risk and genetic factors, diet, exercise, symptoms, treatments and medications.

The second part, held at Hamilton Diagnostics Center, is a cardiac risk assessment including blood pressure, calcium scoring, lab work (total cholesterol and HDL), height, weight and a series of questions.

The information collected during the assessment is calculated into a formula that provides the participant with a risk percentage of developing heart disease in the next 10 years. Recommendations for follow up will be based on the outcome of the assessment.

This program is free and open to anyone who is not currently being treated by a cardiologist and has at least two of the following risk factors: Family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, history of smoking and being overweight.

To register for the program, Call 706-272-6114. Space is limited.

Know your risks

• Family history of heart disease

• Smoking

• High blood cholesterol

• High blood pressure

Hamilton to host Joint Moves - Tuesday, May 14

Wed, 1 May 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Dr. Mitch Frix

DALTON, Ga. – Orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Mitch Frix will speak on “Arthritis, joint pain and joint replacements” for a Hamilton Medical Center Joint Moves event on Tuesday, May 14, 1:30 p.m., at Bradley Wellness Center.

“There’s no reason to live with the pain of osteoarthritis,” said Frix. “There are operative and non-operative options to keep you living an active lifestyle.”

Arthritis is among the most common causes of knee and hip pain. Osteoarthritis is most common in people over 50 years of age, and in people with a family history of arthritis. In osteoarthritis, the articular cartilage that cushions the bones wears away. Eventually the bones rub against each other, causing pain and stiffness.

Non-operative treatments for joint pain include anti-inflammatory drugs or other treatments such as physical therapy. When non-operative treatments offer little relief, and everyday activities are limited due to stiffness and pain, knee or hip replacement surgery may be the solution to allow people to keep moving without pain.

The program is free, and light refreshments will be provided. Please register by May 10 by calling 706-272-6601. Space is limited.

Hamilton Hospice to hold memorial service - Sunday, May 19

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Pictured are Hamilton Hospice representatives. In the front, from left, are Midge Richards and Maudie Baker, volunteers. In the middle are Lesley Hohol, volunteer; Selena Ensley, administrative assistant; Cynthia Washington, clinical manager; and Ann Larkin-Huff, social worker. In the back are Jim Herman, chaplain; and Kenny Morgan, volunteer and bereavement coordinator.

DALTON, Ga.– Anyone who has lost a loved one is invited to attend the Hamilton Hospice Spring Memorial Service, scheduled for 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 19, in the Brown Conference Center auditorium, located in the Burkett Building on the Hamilton Medical Center campus. The service reflects and honors the loved ones cared for by our organization over the past year.

“It is an uplifting experience that we hope provides peace and closure to those who are struggling with the death of a family member or friend,” said Bo Callaway, Hospice director.

Family members and friends in attendance will be comforted with poetry, candle lighting, special music, and at the conclusion of the service, each family will place a butterfly on the butterfly tree as a symbol of love and hope.

The memorial service is sponsored by the Whitfield Healthcare Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Hamilton Health Care System, and held each spring and fall.

Serving Whitfield, Murray, Gordon, Catoosa, Walker and Dade counties, Hamilton Hospice is an accredited, not-for-profit program providing holistic care encompassing the individual’s physical, psychosocial and spiritual well-being. For more information, call Hamilton Hospice at 706-278-2848.

BWC to offer Mommy/Son Breakfast

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Mandy Hunter, BWC programs coordinator

DALTON, Ga. (April 24, 2013) – Bradley Wellness Center (BWC) will offer a Mommy/Son Breakfast on Saturday, May 11 from 9 to 11 a.m. at BWC. The event is FREE, and the first 50 families to sign up will be accepted.

“We hope you’ll join us in this celebration of the special bond between mother and son,” said Mandy Hunter, BWC programs coordinator. “It is so important that we take the time to slow down make meaningful memories. They will last a lifetime.”

The event will include breakfast, DJ, craft table, photos, rose presentation and a dance contest. It’s open to all ages, but there will be special activities for younger children.

To sign up, stop by BWC or call 706-278-9355.

What is your next step after having heart issues?

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Have you or a loved one experienced heart complications recently and are not sure what your next step is to regain a better quality of life? Hamilton Medical Center’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at the Bradley Wellness Center is one of the best steps you can take to improve your health and longevity.

It is a 12-week, personalized, medically supervised program that meets three times a week. Designed to help anyone with heart disease recover faster, it increases quality of life, and can help prevent another heart problem from occurring. It is truly one of the most effective treatments for heart ailments you could ever get.

One recent study in the American Heart Association journal Circulation showed that only about 20% of heart patients even received exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation after hospitalization. Yet, of the more than 30,000 Medicare patients who did participate in the program, it was discovered that the longer they participated, the more their health improved. In fact, those who took full advantage of cardiac rehabilitation (attending all 36 sessions) were 47% less likely to die than those who participated in only one session, and 23% less likely to die than those who attended only 12 sessions! These good results are not unique to just this study. A full literature review on cardiac rehabilitation from the Cleveland Clinic came to the same conclusion:

“…the cardiac rehabilitation program is highly effective in improving quality of life...The longer a cardiac rehabilitation program is attended the more beneficial it is for the patient.”

Ready to get in on these good results? The only thing needed is a doctor's referral as the cost is covered by Medicare as well as most insurance companies.  

As a new enrollee in the program you will receive direct supervision and the guidance of two exercise physiologists, a dietitian, and a registered nurse as well as physicians. It's better than personal training as you have a whole team of experts to consult with! Each team member is focused on evaluating and understanding your needs, so as to give you a proper, individualized program. At every class your team will be monitoring your heart rhythm, heart rate, and blood pressure for progress and safety. And, since heart health has a STRONG dietary component, the registered dietitian is available for nutritional counseling. Need extra help making other lifestyle shifts? We're here for you to provide educational help and coaching. We are so convinced of the benefits of your participation, we don't want there to be any reason for you to miss out. Because of this, if you are nervous about coming alone, BRING A FRIEND! For the entire duration of the program, you are allowed to bring one guest to work out with you for free. Share the benefits with friend or loved one for the cost of ONE! 

If you have suffered from heart problems of any kind, ask your doctor about cardiac rehabilitation. He will be glad to refer you to one of the most effective treatment plans for your condition. Here at the Bradley Wellness Center, a wonderfully caring team of experts will take you through the program. As current participant, Jack Serrit says, "Not only is the cardiac rehab program very good for my health, but it is also an 'emotional stimulant.' The skills and competency of the staff is above all expectations. Information and assistance is always readily available."

For any questions or concerns you may have on Cardiac Rehabilitation, please feel free to contact our staff at 706-272-6574. We would love to hear from you and help you in any way we can!

Submitted by: Tina Black, Cardiac Rehabilitation Coordinator, Bradley Wellness Center

Edwards retires from Food Services at Hamilton

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

After 46 years of service, Terry Edwards, fourth from left, recently retired from Food Services at Hamilton Medical Center. He is pictured with parents and Hamilton representatives.

DALTON, Ga. – After 46 years working in Food Services at Hamilton Medical Center (HMC), Terry Edwards recently retired. A reception was held at HMC in his honor.

Edwards began his career in Food Services in 1966 at the age of 18.

“Terry has proven to be a valuable asset to the hospital and our department, providing many years of selfless and tireless dedication,” said Ryan Miller, Food Services manager.

Edwards is an avid Atlanta Braves fan. “I’ve had the privilege of attending several games with Terry, and he is a true fan, in the good and bad seasons,” said Miller.

Food Services staff members said they appreciated him and his many years of service.

“We will all miss Terry and wish him the very best on a happy retirement,” added Miller.

Group swim lessons for children at BWC

Mon, 8 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Bradley Wellness Center (BWC) will offer several levels of group swim lessons this spring. Children ages 4 and up may enroll in Tadpole, Guppy or Dolphin class depending on their skill level.

The BWC front desk can assist in choosing the right class for your child this summer.

Please contact BWC at 706-278-9355 for schedule and availability. Fees are $55 for members or $65 for non-members. Payment is due upon registration.

Clockwise from top left, swim instructors are Kayla Harkins, Marta Hannah, Dawn Cook and Omar Albaba.

What Everybody Ought to Know About Today’s Energy Drinks

Mon, 8 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Often promising a quick boost, an “energy drink” is defined as a type of beverage that contains ingredients claiming to boost mental and/or physical performance. And in this day and age of bustling activity and technological advances such as the internet, cell phones and the like to keep us engaged—having an extra jolt of energy to keep us going is much desired! But are energy drinks a good answer?

It is no surprise that as Americans have gotten busier, the popularity of energy drinks has soared. In fact, a 2010 study by the CDC revealed that 1 in 3 Americans have at least one a week. You may be surprised to learn though, that one of the first energy drinks introduced in the U.S. was “Dr. Enuf” dating back to 1949! It was a soft drink fortified with B vitamins, caffeine and sugar. Today, energy drinks are still packaged like a soft drink and contain caffeine and a sweetener along with other varied ingredients. The caffeine is added directly or as part of an herb like guarana or yerba mate, and sometimes with the stimulant ephedrine as well. There are sugar free varieties, but they usually also contain large amounts of sugar, along with a combination of vitamins, minerals and other herbs that manufacturers claim increase performance and stamina. Popular ingredients in today’s drinks include taurine, ginseng, carnitine, creatine, inositol and ginko biloba to name a few.

The often promised “heightened mental awareness” from energy drinks comes almost entirely from the caffeine. Caffeine can help perk you up by blocking a chemical in your brain that makes you feel tired. When this chemical is blocked, adrenaline is released from the pituitary gland which increases heart rate and makes you feel more alert. This also causes the brain chemical dopamine to increase in the brain which makes you feel more energetic. Energy drinks generally contain 80-200 mg of caffeine per serving, versus soda with ranges of 20-90 mg per serving and coffee and tea with 20-80 mg of caffeine per serving. It is thought that the combination of caffeine, along with other ingredients, interact to provide increased mental and physical clarity. However, there is very little strong evidence that ingredients other than caffeine and sugar achieve this desired effect.

Consumption of caffeine in amounts greater than 400 mg may lead to negative physical effects such as irritability, nervousness, insomnia, rapid heartbeat and increased blood pressure. For some individuals, the combination of caffeine or other stimulants contained in an energy drink with prescribed medication from a physician, can enhance these negative physical symptoms. The combination of an energy drink and alcohol can also produce unwanted mental and physical effects. Because caffeine is a stimulant and alcohol is a depressant, the feeling of intoxication may be impaired. This could prove very dangerous in some instances like feeling you can drive a car when you are really too inebriated.

Some other groups for which energy drinks are typically NOT recommended include those with heart disease or high blood pressure, pregnant women and those who are breast feeding. Also, it should be noted that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children and adolescents take in no more than 100 milligrams of caffeine daily. This is less than a single serving of many energy drinks so parents take note!

However, for most individuals, consumption of a single serving (or up to 16 oz) of an energy drink will not lead to adverse affects. If you are consistently tired or rundown, it may prove beneficial to incorporate lifestyle changes that include adequate rest, regular exercise and the consumption of whole natural foods. These things also contribute to increased mental and physical stamina and are essential for good health. If this is an aspect of your life that you feel you need to get in order we would love to help. Just give us a call at 706-278-WELL.

Submitted by Erica Jones, Registered Dietitian, Bradley Wellness Center

Planning a hike on Copper Road Trail

Fri, 5 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Bradley Wellness Center (BWC) Hiking Club members will travel to Copper Road Trail on the Ocoee on Saturday, April 27. The hike is rated moderate and is 5 miles long.

Hikers will leave from BWC at 8:30 a.m. There is no fee to participate, and the club is open to members and non-members. Call 706-278-9355 to sign up for this hike.

BWC Hiking Club member Randy Long is pictured on a past BWC Hiking Club hike at Mount Mitchell in North Carolina.

BWC Basketball winners March2013

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Bradley Wellness Center recently wrapped up its basketball league. The team, named The Walking Dead, came out on top. From left are David Gibson, Ryan Cobb, Caz Cole, Josh Presnell, Kent Boyd, Adam Plavich and Michael Plavich. Not pictured are Michael “Tiny” Green and Joey Westmoreland.

The Attractiveness Trap: Why We Are Dying to Be Thin

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EDT

"Beauty is only skin deep" so the saying goes—but in our image conscious society it would be more accurate to say that it "goes all the way to the bone"! Our desires to be attractive run very deep, and consciously or unconsciously, we receive the messages our society gives on what is beautiful.

From Sleeping Beauty to Jennifer Aniston
From childhood, little girls internalize images of Barbie, Disney heroines, and the overwhelming use of thin women for T.V., movie roles and advertising. Is it any wonder that attitudes in favor of being thin are already being formed by age three? Unbelievably, many elementary girls are more afraid of looking fat than losing their parents, getting cancer, or a nuclear war! This just goes to show how close to home these media images are brought to young people's minds.

BMI and Health
Many health authorities recommend a body mass index (BMI) of less than 25 for good health. Any body type or weight above this is considered overweight or obese. Yet, research reveals people with a BMI of 25 to 29 (approx. 5 to 50 pounds over so-called 'ideal bodyweight') are regularly amongst the healthiest and most long-lived. Those with a BMI under 23 are actually at the most risk of premature death! So then, why do we want to have a BMI under 23?

BMI and Attractiveness
A few generations ago celebrities wore a size 12 (Marilyn Monroe once wore size 14!). Today a size 0 or 2 is not unusual. Hard to believe? Consider this study that British researchers did with undergrad college students: 40 male students were asked to look at the bodies (the faces were not revealed) of 50 women of varying shapes and sizes. In the past it was recognized that men evaluated a woman's attractiveness by her waist to hip ratio. But these young men showed no concern for that. Time and again the determinant of physical beauty in their eyes was a BMI of about 20, and this correlates with what is held up in the media of our day. Undoubtedly, we are an aesthetic people that appreciates beauty. And there really is nothing wrong with that. In fact I would argue that a person who does not take care of him/herself and care for their physical appearance has something wrong with them. But that is not to imply that beauty can only come in a rail thin package –no matter what college undergrads think.

What About Me?
But all this brings us back to you—your own self-image, health, BMI, and well being. If your BMI is already 19 should you try to gain weight for your health? If you have a BMI of 28 should you try to lose to be more attractive to others? Really, only you can answer those questions. Here are five principles and realities you should consider when making your decisions:

#1. You are made in the image of God, and are therefore inherently beautiful.
#2. A life of inactivity and junk food can cause you to weigh more than you naturally might when following a healthier lifestyle.
#3. People have different "natural" set points for weight. Some higher, some lower. Those who are naturally thin can maintain a lower BMI like 20 or 21 without any particular effort on their part. They may need to make sure they eat enough and weight train though, to keep their lean body mass from getting too low for good health.
#4. Conversely, some who eat and exercise sensibly may find they are still heavier than they'd like. Many times, these too, are perfectly healthy and should not worry that the added pounds will cause any health concerns. However, any attempt to become smaller should NOT be done by consistent low calorie dieting.
#5. Very low calorie diets are a mistake for virtually all people as a fat loss method (especially women) because they prime the fat cells for greater storage when the diet is over.

Women already have greater fat storing enzymes than men, without also priming them by very low calorie diets!

All in all, if you will commit yourself to learning about your own unique body, feeding it wholesome, high quality foods, and exercising intelligently and hard—you may find that your questions about ideal weight and beauty simply disappear. You'll have learned to love and appreciate the ideal "you" staring back at you in the mirror!

Submitted by: Thomas Morrison, Fitness Coordinator, Bradley Wellness Center

Hamilton named to Georgia Hospital Association  Hospital Engagement Network Safety Leaders Circle

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Pictured are members of the Hamilton Medical Center Safety Committee.

DALTON, Ga. – Hamilton Medical Center (HMC) has been named to the Georgia Hospital Association’s (GHA) Hospital Engagement Network (HEN) Safety Leaders Circle, which recognizes hospitals’ improvements in patient care throughout the 2012 year. HMC is one of 13 hospitals in Georgia to place in the Elite Circle, the highest on the list.

HMC is a participant in the GHA HEN, an initiative begun last year that is part of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service’s (CMS) Partnership for Patients. GHA, through its Partnership for Health and Accountability (PHA), is one of 27 organizations nationally to be awarded federal funding to coordinate the implementation of a series of projects with hospitals. The goals of these projects are to reduce hospital-acquired conditions (HAC) by 40 percent and hospital readmissions by 20 percent by the end of 2013. CMS states that it has the potential to save 60,000 lives annually and create $35 billion in savings to the nation’s health care system. Additionally, it can help prevent 1.8 million injuries and 1.6 million patient readmissions.

To achieve these goals, there are major directives from CMS regarding improved care in 10 core measures: Four are related to hospital-acquired infections (HAI); four are related to HACs; one is related to obstetrics (OB) and trying to eliminate elective deliveries before 39 weeks; and one is related to transition of care and reduction of readmissions. As part of their participation in the GHA HEN, hospitals selected two of these areas on which to focus in 2012. Scores for the Safety Leaders Circle are based on several criteria, including a database that measures hospitals’ improvement in their respective selected areas.

“Thanks to the leadership and commitment of Hamilton Medical Center, we are well on our way to achieving the significant life-saving goals of this important initiative,” said Joseph Parker, president of GHA. “We are proud to recognize the hard work of Hamilton staff and applaud their efforts and commitment to ensuring the reduction of infections and readmissions.”

The Partnership for Health and Accountability, formed in January 2000 and sponsored by the Georgia Hospital Association, is a unique statewide collaborative that brings together health care providers with community agencies and individuals to achieve healthy communities. PHA includes representation from groups like hospitals, physicians, state health officials, legislators and businesses.

BWC to offer Camps June/July -2013

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Camp dates are:

Monday to Thursday, June 10-13, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday to Thursday, July 15-18, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sign-up deadline is one week prior to each camp.

Pictured are some participants in Camp BWC 2012.

DALTON, Ga. – Offered by Bradley Wellness Center (BWC), Camp BWC is a way to show children that fitness is fun.

Camp BWC is a fitness camp for ages 5-11 focusing on a variety of activities that promote an active lifestyle. Basketball, Karate, swimming and yoga are some of the physical activities children will participate in at Camp BWC.

“Children are more likely to incorporate healthy habits into their lives as they grow if they are exposed to them at a young age,” said Mandy Hunter, BWC programs coordinator. “At Camp BWC, kids get involved in a variety of fun fitness activities and nutrition education.”

Erica Jones, BWC nutritionist, will help children learn about healthy food choices in a fun environment. A healthy lunch and afternoon snack will be served each day.    

Those who sign up by April 30 will receive a $20 discount.   

For BWC members, the camp price is $115 per session for the first child and $100 for each additional sibling.
For non-members, the price is $140 per session for the first child and $125 for each additional sibling.

For details on these power-packed camps, please call 706-278-9355.

Hamilton on target for sustainability

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EDT

From left, Don Meeks, operations manager, and David Bailey, HVAC specialist, check a control panel on Hamilton’s newest chiller.

“Green” at Hamilton Medical Center

• Installed timers on all air handlers to go off during off-peak hours

 • Installed a new plate-frame exchanger in boiler plant to provide free cooling in fall and winter months (do not have to run chiller) 

• Installed new energy efficient York Chiller that replaced 30-year-old boiler

 • Replaced 40-year-old cooling tower with new efficient Marley tower

 • Installing motion switches in most public restrooms and one-shift offices

 • Member of Energy Star (score of 75 in highest energy star rating by EPA)

 • Using water wells for landscaping watering when possible

 • Applied for and received air emissions from Georgia Environmental Protection Division

 • Test underground fuel oil tank annually to insure no leaks

 • Use GoTo meetings when possible to reduce travel times for architects 

• Collecting cardboard for recycling 

• Recycling small batteries

 • Purchasing Energy Star rated appliances

 • Using low-flow water fixtures when and where possible 

• Installed new air handlers, replacing two 30-year-old air handlers

 • Use variable speed drive on all handlers to reduce start up electricity

 • Monitor equipment through Maintenance Management System

 • Shutting off unnecessary lights throughout campus during off-peak, evening, weekend hours

 • Using condensate water for cooling tower

 • Future projects: complete lighting retrofit to reduce energy and adding modernization on all elevators to reduce energy

DALTON, Ga.– Hamilton Medical Center has been embracing a more “green” concept. Several initiatives have improved the sustainability of the facility.

In recent years, Hamilton has been faced with aging assets of its physical plant. Some equipment either needed significant maintenance or to be replaced. Hamilton engaged Sodexo, the company that oversees the hospital’s facilities, to perform an in-depth engineering study to provide analysis and make recommendations for all facility assets, forming the basis of Hamilton’s capital improvement plan. The initiatives focused on sustainability and reducing energy consumption.

According to Don Meeks, operations manager, it has been a four-year process. Projects included upgrades to Hamilton’s chilled water plant and air handling units, replacement of the emergency generator (to increase reliability and capacity to support growth), and integrating upgrades into the building automation system.

In addition to efficiency and operational savings for Hamilton, these upgrades improve patient and employee comfort.

Regulating temperature is a much more efficient process now, according to Meeks. “Hamilton’s new automation system allows for quicker response because it’s now web-based,” he said. “Instead of calling in someone when there’s an issue, the system can be accessed online, and many issues can be corrected in a matter of about 5 minutes instead of 45 minutes.”

Sodexo’s turnkey solution to the air handler system involved splitting the system into two parts with a wall that kept one side running while the other side was being built. The switchgear project was equally innovative and ensured no interruptions to the hospital’s operation. When the Sodexo team was ready to change out electrical panels, the work was scheduled so that every hospital department could operate with no downtime.

The upgrades provide $495,000 of annual savings, which allows Hamilton to reallocate funds toward infrastructure renewal, focusing on sustainability for the future.

Renovations continue at Hamilton

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EDT

The Siemens Zeego Multi-Axis Robotic System will be part of the upgrades to Hamilton Medical Center’s heart catheterization lab project. This unit utilizes the latest dose-minimizing technology and is typically only seen in larger metropolitan markets.

DALTON, Ga.– If you’ve visited Hamilton Medical Center (HMC) recently, you probably have noticed some construction workers and barriers on the first floor.

The current project underway is the expansion of the Mashburn Cardiac Pavilion, which includes two heart catheterization labs and one hybrid suite. New cutting edge fluoroscopy equipment and high-definition monitors will be added to allow physicians to see a patient’s heart at all angles. The new flexible hybrid suite will be capable of hosting cardiac and non-cardiac procedures, as well as electrophysiology procedures.

Construction began in October of 2012 and is expected to be completed in November. Approximately 15,000 square feet is being renovated.

“Our patients will experience completely renovated state-of-the-art heart catheterization suites with improved privacy and comfort,” said Ezad Ahmad, MD, cardiologist. “Our new imaging equipment will allow our cardiologists to see images of the heart in high definition with the best technology available. Our new hybrid suite will be served by a high-tech multi-axis imaging system rarely available to communities our size.”

The expansion will provide scheduling efficiencies, allowing multiple patients to be treated simultaneously. Currently, when an elective procedure is scheduled and an acute heart attack patient arrives at the hospital, the elective procedure must be postponed.

Six recovery bays will be located within the catheterization suite, which will minimize the distance that patients will need to be transported after their procedure, and improve patient privacy and staff efficiency.

As part of an earlier phase of the project, Nuclear Medicine has been expanded for increased patient privacy and improved healing environment. A new Imaging Services waiting/pick-up area and a newly configured corridor for increased patient privacy is also part of the project.

Additional upgrades will begin in coming months.

Construction on the Bandy-McCutchen Medical Intensive Care Pavilion is expected to start in August. This project will increase the patient room size from between 115 and 140 square feet to more than 200 square feet, which will accommodate chairs for families and visitors. The number of MICU rooms will increase from 10 to 12. Also, the family waiting area will be renovated, and an improved nursing station, physician dictation area and consult area will be added. The new space has been designed to improve privacy and confidentiality capabilities.

Renovation of HMC’s Westcott Beckler Morrison nursing unit – including fresh paint and new beds, furniture, artwork, flat screen TVs, showers and vanity area, lighting, energy-efficient windows and window treatments, and additional private plus room – was completed last year. The improvements also included upgrades to the family waiting area, both nursing stations, nurse staff lounge and solarium.

“I am so proud to show off our hospital,” said Laura Conger, MD. “As a physician, I appreciate the way the rooms have been arranged and expanded, and patients appreciate the increased comfort.”

Updates to the remaining nursing units are scheduled to begin next winter.

The Turner Neonatal Intensive Care Pavilion, Hamilton Medical Center’s Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has a whole new look in an expanded space, including 6,400 square feet of renovations. It was completed in December of 2012. A significant update of the Service Level was also completed last year, including new serving, dining and meeting areas, as well as a new outdoor dining area, with a calming waterfall feature. Restrooms and the snack bar area were completely renovated.