The facility offers a therapy center and design elements that promote healing.
Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center officially opened a new floor for orthopaedic and joint surgery patients in the hospital's Central Tower on Monday.
"The environment is now safer, more comfortable and spacious for our doctors, staff and patients," said Sandra Bruce, president and CEO. "It will no doubt translate into even higher clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. We now have the absolute best of both worlds."
Saint Alphonsus was ranked as No. 1 in Idaho for the past three years in overall orthopaedic services by HealthGrades, an independent company that analyzes patient outcomes from 5,000 hospitals nationwide. The Boise hospital performed about 7,000 orthopaedic surgeries last year.
"No one does this alone," said Dr. Richard Moore, orthopaedic surgeon and department chair.
He credits the hospital's continued achievements to a philosophy of putting patients first, highly specialized surgeons, advancements in surgical techniques and joint replacement technologies, a greater variety in implant sizes, a targeted recovery and rehabilitation program, and good support from nurses, operating technicians, staff and other services such as radiology.
Former patient Flo Crescitelli, of Meridian, had her hip replaced a month ago and took a walking tour of the new floor Monday. She believes the staff was the biggest contributor to her quick recovery.
"I couldn't ask for better people to take care of me," she said. "They were just very helpful. When you needed them, they were there. They'd listen to you."
Beyond top-notch care, Saint Al's patients recovering from knee or hip surgery can now enjoy a therapy center and breathtaking views of the Foothills and Boise from private rooms. The unit incorporates 12 architectural design elements proven to enhance healing, such as areas for family members who may spend the night, colorful artwork and soothing, natural colors on the walls, floors and furnishings.
Even the flooring was specifically chosen. It allows patients to move around easily without changing surface levels and textures or stepping over a lip to get into a shower.
Rooms form a loop that patients can walk, and benches provide rest stops with simulated skylights.
Teri Martin of Meridian will have a second knee-replacement surgery at Saint Al's in April - and she was actually excited to experience the new unit.
"Mentally, it's going to be easier being up here. It's a more comfortable feeling," Martin said. "The facility is much bigger."
The Central Tower was built to meet population growth and upgrade the aging hospital to treat the most critically ill and injured. The $122.1 million, nine-story tower is filled with the latest technology.
Moore said the benefits of the new building for patients and staff go beyond what he had anticipated.
Saint Alphonsus has "provided us with everything we need to achieve excellence," Moore said. "I'm very pleased."
Source: Idaho Statesman