![]() “There were concerns with people having to navigate inside the hospital corridors. “We really had minimal options with social distancing within the waiting area,” he said. Which became challenging when trying to maintain safety precautions, Kelley said. The existing lab space at that time measured 2,530 square feet, and the waiting area was particularly small. The purpose of the renovation dates back to the challenges staff faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kelley said. The project was divided into two phases: the main entrance change to allow better flow of patients and the back lab storage area extension. After four months it was fully completed. And it’s about time!”Ĭhad Kelley, director of operations at MercyOne Newton, said the renovation project began in March with the demolition. It’s better now, and it’s better because we have the space. “We used to be in a different building, but now that we’re back in this building we can take care of our patients very quickly, very efficiently. “We’ve always had 24/7 services for our community,” she said. Most of the tests can be completed on-site with the several scientists that work in the laboratory 24 hours, seven days a week. Finch said the facility upgrade also means an increase in efficiency for blood draws and other tests. Regardless, the renovation is a step up from the former space. These new rooms are certainly more muffled, but the occasional unhappy kiddo may still be heard by other guests. The old draw room also lacked privacy, making every conversation or screaming child heard by nearly everybody in the office. Two draw rooms means staff can take care of two patients at once. With the extra seating and even a couch near the entrance, there should be plenty of places to wait comfortably. The bigger space also leaves fewer people feeling cramped or feel like they are sitting on top of each other. Which is particularly convenient for the hospital’s geriatric populations and those with mobility issues. MercyOne Newton Medical Center renovated its laboratory last month to include more space for staff and patients. If they’ve forgotten to register we can just say, ‘OK, just come right out the door, we’ll get you registered and get you taken care of,’ instead of having them go all the back.” “They don’t have to walk around the corner. “The biggest thing is the patients can come right in from registration,” Finch said. The laboratory was launched in 1993, and since the renovation Finch has a huge difference in operations. The facility had not been touched for decades. Sharon Finch, the laboratory manager, has worked at the hospital for about five years and is beyond thrilled with the renovation, which was long overdue. With the extra square footage also comes better accessibility, increased privacy for patients and more leg room for the busy lab techs. Additional workspace in the laboratory of MercyOne Newton Medical Center is a welcomed change and has made operations easier for both staff and patients this past month.
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