Renovations bring more comfort and faster recovery for patients throughout Lake County
[Waukegan, IL] – “The number one priority of Vista Health System,” said CEO Barbara Martin at a groundbreaking ceremony on November 14, “is quality care for our patients, and this project will make a tremendous difference in achieving that goal.”
The ceremony kicked off a two-phase construction project that will bring 228 private rooms to Vista Medical Center East. The 100+ event participants included elected officials, administrators, board members, staff, and community leaders. Speakers included Martin, Illinois State Senator Terry Link, Waukegan Mayor Wayne Motley, and North Chicago Mayor Leon Rockingham.
The project will renovate four of the tower’s six floors. The 93,000-square-foot makeover will transform semi-private rooms, offices, old leased space, and other spaces into fully private rooms. Legat Architects designed the renovations and Walsh Construction will lead the work.
Better for Patients and Providers
Martin said, “Everything has been designed to enhance not only the patient experience, but also the nurse and doctor experience.”
Research has revealed many benefits of single patient rooms versus semi-private rooms. For instance, the spacious rooms at Vista Medical Center East will encourage family and friend involvement, which is known to speed patient recovery. The renovations will also help reduce anxiety by giving patients more control over their environment including sound, lighting, temperature, and views. Additionally, clinical staff benefit with a setting that is more hygienic, supportive, and efficient.
Phased for a Smoother Delivery
The project will split into two phases to avoid disrupting the delivery of care. The bulk of the work will occur on the third and fourth floors.
Derek Dunn, project manager with Legat, said, “The first phase involves completely gutting and remodeling the now vacant east side of floors 3 and 4 while patients remain on the west side. Then, in phase two, patients will move over to the newly renovated rooms so that the west side can get the upgrades.”
Additional work includes partial demolition and remodeling of the second floor (first phase) and a refresh of the fifth floor (second phase).
Above and Beyond
Illinois State Senator Terry Link’s participation in the ceremony also marked a return to his birthplace. “People from all over have spent time in this hospital and walked away with a positive experience,” he said. “This goes above and beyond anything we could have ever expected.”
Wayne Motley praised the drastic changes the hospital has made over the years, and acknowledged its influential role in the development of Waukegan’s downtown and lakefront.
Martin added, “Vista Health System not only provides critical patient care, but we’re also a key economic engine to the eastern and the western sides of the county. This project reaffirms our commitment to the people who live and work in Lake County.”
View more images from the ceremony.
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