Download Texas Hospital Follows Nurses` Advice in Re-design

Texas Hospital Follows Nurses’ Advice in
Re-design
We’ve talked a lot recently about the importance of designing healthcare environments with both patients and clinicians in
mind. That makes it especially gratifying to read about a hospital that goes above and beyond to make sure nurses and
nurse managers are involved in the design and building process.
Methodist Richardson Medical Center, in Dallas, Texas, demonstrated a commitment to asking for and following through on
feedback from their nursing staff. As a result, they have a brand-new, 4-story facility with better flow and decreased noise
in the hallways, more nursing workstations, and hand-washing sinks inside patient rooms, an addition designed to reassure
patients by letting them witness nurses washing their hands.
From the article in HealthLeaders Media:
Not every nursing team gets to have a role in designing a brand-new hospital. That’s why Irene Strejc, chief nursing officer
at Methodist Richardson Medical Center, made sure that her nurses and managers were front and center when the chance
to do so came their way. Strejc says designing the newly opened, 125-bed, four-story facility was a “once-in-a-lifetime”
opportunity for its nurses to really “put their imprint” on a hospital. Her focus was bringing to life the vision of the front-line
caregivers and nurse managers who actually use the facilities every day and provide the patient care.
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The nursing staff had input and approval on the final designs, many of which nurses were instrumental in bringing to life.
Like we wrote in A Time for Change in Clinician Workspaces, workspaces have the power to increase the effectiveness of
an organization, which in turn can have a positive impact on patient care and satisfaction. The nurses at Methodist,
because of their hands-on experiences and their empowered position, were able to influence these positive changes, and
their patients will be the better for it.
Additionally, as stated in A Time for Change in the Patient Room, when the elements of people, place, and technology are
all considered, the result can be patient rooms that connect people and information effectively, empower patient healing
and support the wellbeing of everyone who uses the space. Steelcase Health was even able to get involved in this project:
In order to make the patient rooms flow more efficiently and comfortably for everyone in them, the hospital worked with
Steelcase Health to design distinct “zones” for families, nurses, and patients. On one side of the bed is the family zone,
which includes a couch under the windows that turns into a bed; a recliner that vibrates and heats; lighting for reading; and
a view of the TV. On the other side of the bed is everything that the nurses need to provide patient care.
Of course, not every CNO and nurse leader has the chance to design a hospital from the ground-up, but there are
learnings here for everyone. For example, Strejc says anytime a hospital buys new equipment there’s a chance to assess
whether it’s as patient- and staff-friendly as possible. There are also lessons about valuing and listening to your staff.
This is a remarkable success story from Methodist Richardson, and their patients and staffs will surely start seeing the
benefits from their innovative, forward-thinking decisions.
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