Cozad — Cozad Community Health System (CCHS) is hosting a groundbreaking ceremony to kick off a $4.2 million renovation project that will add 14 new inpatient rooms on Thursday October 14 th at 4:00 p.m. The project was made possible through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding that CCHS had received in 2020. The CARES Act was a $2.2 trillion economic stimulus bill passed by Congress and signed into law on March 27, 2020.
The remodel will include 14 new inpatient private rooms that showcase innovative industry design to create an optimum healing environment for patients. Moving from semi-private rooms to private rooms with patient conveniences including private showers not only provides the patient with privacy but also reduces the risk of potential infection. Throughout the design process there was a focus on the details, down to the choice in finish materials and fabrics that are antimicrobial and proven to reduce hospital acquired infections. Another significant area of focus was on the ventilation. In particular, all patient rooms are designed to have the capability of negative pressure.
Negative pressure rooms are a type of hospital room that keeps patients with infectious illnesses, or patients who are susceptible to infections from others, away from other patients, visitors, and healthcare staff. They are a common method of infection control and used to isolate patients with contagious, airborne diseases such as measles, tuberculosis, SARS, MERS, and COVID-19. They are called negative pressure rooms because the air pressure inside the room is lower than the air pressure outside the room. This means that when the door is opened, potentially contaminated air or other dangerous particles from inside the room will not flow outside into non-contaminated areas.
Over the past year and a half, CCHS has treated many patients with COVID-19. All precautionary measures were taken to keep patients and staff safe including the use of personal protection equipment (PPE), enhanced cleaning procedures, and standard precautions including hand hygiene. At the peak of COVID-19, rooms were designated for COVID-19 patients, and temporary ante rooms were purchased to minimize any potential of cross contamination. “We feel that our new design will take our efforts to the next level and help keep our patients and staff safe now and into the future” Chandra Anderson, Chief Nursing and Quality Officer.
In addition to the new inpatient rooms the Cozad Hospital Foundation is partnering with CCHS to incorporate technological enhancements including electronic artwork and a new nurse call system that will help staff work more efficiently. Another patient and staff safety feature is the incorporation of overhead patient lifts to use during patient transfers, ambulation, and other movements. The Cozad Hospital Foundation is also supporting a new Nourishment Center that will be a welcoming place for families, friends and patients to find amenities.
“We recognize the importance of friends, families and support groups in the healing process and for the success of the patient once they go home from a stay with us. We want to honor that contribution and support them as well.” Danielle Gearhart, Chief Executive Officer.
Preliminary site work has begun on the project, and it is projected to be completed in 12-18 months.
