Parkview Health officials are spending about $3.5 million to upgrade the health system’s Randallia hospital, creating a center that offers a continuum of patient care.
Hospital officials Tuesday afternoon led local media on a tour of renovated areas, pointing out details from about $450,000 in upgrades made since the beginning of the year.
Sue Ehinger, president of Parkview Hospital Randallia and Parkview Regional Medical Center, estimated that 25 percent to 30 percent of the 1 million-square-foot building has been updated.
An additional $3 million worth of renovations is planned, with most scheduled for completion before the end of this year, she said.
The hospital now has 150 beds in patient rooms that are larger and quieter than before, officials said.
When Parkview Regional Medical Center opened in March, officials designated the new $500 million-plus facility as the flagship hospital that treats the most seriously ill patients.
Parkview Hospital Randallia still offers surgery and emergency services, but much of the emphasis is on helping patients transition from a typical hospital setting to home.
The hospital includes the fifth-floor Continuing Care Center, where patients might regain strength after open-heart surgery, for example. Kelly Borror, the center’s administrator, said patients’ average stay is 15 days.
The area has expanded to 31 from 28 beds with the renovation. Plans are to add 10 more beds before Dec. 31.
Vibra Hospital of Fort Wayne will also move into the building before the end of the year, leasing space on two floors, to care for more seriously ill patients.
Long-term, acute-care hospitals provide a transition between the intensive-care unit in a traditional hospital and home or nursing home.
Situations that might lead to a stay in a long-term, acute-care hospital include heart attack, stroke, traffic accident or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Pennsylvania-based Vibra specializes in weaning patients off breathing equipment. Patient stays average 20 to 30 days.
Parkview Hospital Randallia is also increasing the number of beds for traditional patients.
Expansion plans call for adding 30 more beds to the acute care area, which provides less intensive care than an intensive care unit. Kimberly Burns, director of nursing, said the department will be at 70 beds afterward.
Various medical specialists are also opening offices in the building, where they will treat patients.
