June 1, 2009 – Construction of a $2.7 million Orthopaedic Unit is underway at Lakewood Hospital. The announcement was made during a wall-breaking ceremony on June 1 led by hospital administration and the physicians and nurses who provide care on the unit. The Orthopaedic Unit will feature private patient rooms, which is a key component to the hospital’s Vision for Tomorrow strategic plan. The project is expected to be completed fall 2009.

Construction will officially begin on Tuesday, June 2. Once the unit is complete, physicians, employees, patients and their families will enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere that creates a patient and family centric environment.

“This is an exciting time for everyone at Lakewood Hospital,” says Jack Gustin, president of Lakewood Hospital. “This significant milestone will set the tone for our Vision for Tomorrow plan, which focuses on improving the patient experience and establishing clinical areas of excellence. This new unit will enable our highly skilled staff to provide the best care for our patients who can recover in a new, modern environment.”

The new Orthopaedic Unit will feature private patient rooms that include ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) approved bathrooms with shower; a flat screen TV; oxygen, suction, blood pressure equipment hidden behind a wood panel; cabinets that will hold patient belongings, supplies, dirty linen; sinks in every room; a sleeper chair for family members who spend the night; increased adjustable lighting; wireless computer access; and computers in each room for nurse documentation.

“Patients' family and friends will be encouraged to participate in the healing process of their loved one,” says Gustin. Therefore, the unit will include a comfortable space for family to relax. The new unit’s family lounge will feature a flat screen TV; coffee machine and nutrition center; seating for several groupings of people; and wireless computer access.

Orthopaedics is just the first unit at Lakewood that will undergo this exciting makeover. “Construction will be ongoing at Lakewood Hospital until each unit completely transitions into private patient rooms,“ says Fred DeGrandis, CEO and president of the Cleveland Clinic Regional Hospitals. “As health care providers, we always want the best for our patients. As Lakewood Hospital continues to move forward with its Vision for Tomorrow plan, we will be able to better meet our patient’s needs now and into the future.”

Lakewood Hospital offers a full-range of Orthopaedic Services. From total joint replacements (initial surgeries and revisions) to minimally invasive procedures, patients benefit from an expert team of orthopaedic surgeons and nurses, state-of-the-art equipment as well as inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. The new Orthopaedic Unit will be a great enhancement to the care patients receive at Lakewood Hospital. A ribbon-cutting event to celebrate the opening will be held in the fall.

In 2009, Lakewood Hospital will also be investing in a $2 million Endovascular Suite and $3.5 million in infrastructure updates – all part of its Vision for Tomorrow plan. For more information, or for construction updates, visit www.lakewoodhospital.org/vision

Lakewood Hospital, an acute care hospital, has served the diverse health care needs of Cleveland’s Westshore communities since 1907. Offering a wide range of health services and education programs for women, men and children, each year Lakewood Hospital provides high-quality and innovative patient care for more than 130,000 patients.
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