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Slated for completion in July 2016, the Heart Hospital has been “designed to provide the very best of heart care in the best possible facility,” says Bradley Kappalman, former vice president, MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute (MHVI).
“We’re making sense of space in innovative ways to create an efficient, vertically integrated center for cardiovascular care. It’s truly a hospital within a hospital,” he explains. “Now cardiovascular services at the Hospital Center have a unique identity and cohesive, self-contained geographic space.”
Highlights of the renovations to date:
First floor: A separate entrance and lobby, with special admissions office and ambulatory care offices for cardiologists and surgeons; an expanded first floor Echo Lab and waiting area.
Third floor: Renovation and build-out of cardiac and vascular surgery units; includes rooms for LVAD and heart failure patients and inpatient Echo Lab.
Fourth floor: Renovated cardiology nursing units, with all private rooms; inpatient Echo Lab.
Sixth floor: Administrative offices
Phase IV: Cutting Edge ICU's
The second floor ICU, the final phase of renovation, is the most complex portion of the project.
“This area has required a complete gut of the existing structure,” says Peri DeOrio, MS, RT(R), senior transition manager. She and IT Transition Manager Denise Figueroa are coordinating the massive effort. The second floor will house 34 ICU beds and 10 intermediate care beds.
“The rooms will be large enough for the latest technology and monitoring equipment, as well as space for overnight stays by loved ones,” says Kappalman. “Large windows allow natural light to brighten the space,” he says. “It produces a healing, soothing environment.”
Keeping the Dominos Standing
“A project this comprehensive requires the work of hundreds,” says Catherine Monge, chief administrative officer, MHVI, “to move dozens of patients and staff, and sophisticated equipment, without disrupting services.”
“We’ve made it work with careful strategic planning upfront, and commu- nication and coordination on a grand scale,” Monge says. “So many people have made this possible, especially the commitment of Project Lead Chris Poad, whose oversight is a major reason for our success.”
Stuart F. Seides, MD, physician executive director of MHVI, says, “This is the result of the team’s hard work. Cathie, Peri, Brad, Chris and Denise deserve much credit and gratitude. We’ve had some growing pains, but the end is in sight, and I am confident our patients will reap the benefits.”
