UMC opens remodeled OB wing

One phase of ongoing improvements for University Medical Center became operational Monday as hospital officials opened a new obstetrics wing with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Patients of the obstetrics division at UMC can now look forward to a newly remodeled facility when coming for treatment.
"The facility has been completely redone with all private rooms," UMC Director of Marketing Communications Anna-Lee Cockrill said.
The new wing includes 12 postpartum rooms, six labor and delivery rooms and a 14-bed nursery. A newly constructed gynecology pod will add a separate area for patients recovering from surgery, such as hysterectomies, Cockrill said.
"The new GYN pod will focus on post-hysterectomy care with rapid recovery," she said. "There is a separate wing so patients can recovery in privacy."
Cockrill added "people who deliver here are not just numbers" and the hospital gives patients a "hands-on approach."
"We have incredible staff, and now we have a facility to match," Cockrill said.
Another project underway for the hospital is the construction of a new emergency room. Cockrill said the construction is at the halfway point now.
"It's going to be awesome," she said. "The new ER will be double in size."
The size will not be the only change once the facility is complete. New equipment and furnishings are among the improvements slated for the area.
"It will have designated areas for trauma, orthopedic and isolation treatment," Cockrill said.
An enlarged and redesigned waiting area and 20 private rooms will round out the new construction.
"Our expanded ER gives us the capability to care for 40,000 patients a year which allows the facility to keep up with the growing community," Cockrill said.
Staff Writer Kimberly Jordan can be reached at 444-3952 ext. 16 or by e-mail kimberly.jordan@lebanondemocrat.com.