Modern & comfortable
ValleyCare Trumbull Memorial Hospital improvement updates continue
WARREN
ValleyCare Trumbull Memorial Hospital’s $4 million renovation of its orthopedic and nursing floor, started in January and completed this month, is one of several capital projects planned for the medical facility over the next few years.
While plans are in the “very preliminary” stage, it is likely the next project will be modernization of maternity and pediatric services that may include expansion of the south side of the eight-story hospital, said Robert E. Wolleben, TMH chief executive officer.
“It is our plan to modernize the entire facility and convert all of our rooms to private to provide more comfort and a better environment for our patients and staff,” Wolleben said.
He said that over the last 18 months, nearly $20 million has been invested in TMH in equipment and projects such as an electrical system upgrade.
“We are committed to this community, and our goal is to make Trumbull Memorial responsive to the community’s needs,” he said.
The renovated and redesigned orthopedic facility on the hospital’s top floor features 19 private rooms that have handicap-accessible bathrooms, individual temperature controls, automatic light sensors and other furnishings for patients’ comfort and safety, Wolleben said.
Also part of the unit is a revamped physical rehabilitation gym with new equipment, including a curb and car-transfer simulator, a patient education conference room and new multilevel nurses’ stations to facilitate communication and provide a more efficient work area, said Andrew Davis, nurse manager for the orthopedic unit.
The unit also contains a physical and occupational therapy gym with training stairs and a high-low mat table, Davis said.
There are also new computer work stations, hideaway storage and chart racks, and a patient education and conference room, he said.
In addition, an orthopedic navigator, Julie Ballas, guides patients throughout their surgery experience, including pain management, recovery and rehabilitation.
“As a result, our patients are better prepared and able to take a more- active role in their care and rehabilitation, Davis said.
Trumbull Memorial Hospital is one of 14 hospitals in Ohio with The Joint Commission certification for hip and knee joint replacement, Wolleben said.
“Providing modern facilities to advance the quality and level of care for our patients supports our commitment to invest in the future for the community’s needs,” Wolleben added.
TMH celebrated the completion of the renovated orthopedic and nursing floor with a dedication and ribbon- cutting at an open house for physicians, community leaders, orthopedic staff and other invited guests Aug. 23.
Participating in the event were Dr. Morris Pulliam; Dr. Kenneth Jones; Lori Sylvester, vice president for outpatient services; Ballas; Tom Knoske, vice president for support services; Diane Sauer, TMH board chairman; Warren Mayor Doug Franklin; Wolleben; and Drs. Michael Jones and Thomas Jones Jr.