Hospital gets face-lift

By Staff
Jonathan Willis FCT Staff Writer
Visitors to Russellville Hospital may have to take a second look to recognize the place these days.
The hospital has recently completed the first phase of a renovation project which brought extensive changes to the main lobby, admission area and volunteer information desk.
The $300,000 project has given the front lobby, intensive care unit waiting room and out-patient waiting room areas expanded seating, new colors of carpeting, wall covering, tile, artwork and furniture.
The admitting areas have been designed to make more efficient use of space and to ensure patient privacy. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability (HIPA) Act which was passed in 1996 and enforced in 2003 forced hospitals and its employees to take greater measures in patient privacy. The new admitting area does just that.
The new information desk is operated by dedicated community volunteers who assist in registering patients for admission, welcome visitors with a smile and provide general information.
The hospital has also gone to great measures to renovate the OB department which serves as the primary care unit for newborn babies and their mothers.
The OB patient rooms now have the look and feel of home, along with privacy for the mother and family members. New finishes, light fixtures and signs in the OB corridor create an image of a women's center, along with a new set of control doors to help with traffic flow in the area.
Dr. Braden Richmond said that the new OB area is comparable to many other hospitals.
The hospital plans more improvements and additions to the facilities in the future.
The second phase of the renovation project will further enhance the OB area and will add more operating rooms.