Memorial Hospital reopens renovated same-day surgery and infusion center

<span>There was a celebratory atmosphere at Memorial Hospital in Chester on Monday, as hospital officials reopened their renovated same-day surgery and infusion center.</span>

<span>According to Memorial Hospital CEO Brett Bollmann, the renovations were designed to "improve the patient, physician and staff experience and flow."</span>

<span>"The Infusion Center was designed to provide a relaxing atmosphere for the patient," Bollmann said. "We were able to provide a clinic space for our consulting oncologist, Dr. Justin Floyd, who is a part of Cancer Care Specialists of Central Illinois."</span>

<span>Memorial Hospital Auxiliary purchased new Infusion recliners last year for the center and the chairs provide automatic reclining, heated seats, massage options and a television.</span>

<span>The hospital's Perioperative team and surgeons also created a centralized provider station to improve the patient experience and safety.</span>

<span>"The centralized provider station allows for great communication, access to nursing staff, decreased risk for falls and better patient satisfaction," Bollmann said. "Television access is available in most patient bays, otherwise Memorial Hospital is Wi-Fi-ready to manage our patients and our visitor's needs."</span>

<span>Bollmann thanked the hospital's Board of Directors, physicians, staff and maintenance department for their support and hard work during the renovation.</span>

<span>"Also a special thanks to local artist Roberta Gordon and our community schools, who created canvas prints for the Infusion Center, where many patients come for Oncology treatments," Bollmann said. "And to the design committee and nurse managers, who helped create a life-size replica of a quality care environment."</span>

<span>Susan Diddlebock, chief nursing officer at Memorial Hospital, gave a presentation on diabetes management at the hospital.</span>

<span>With diabetes rates in Randolph County higher than the state and national averages, the hospital launched an initiative in July 2013 in which the hospital holds group classes once a week for six weeks - with each class covering a different topic of diabetes management.</span>

<span>Through this initiative, the hospital has saved $5,670 annually from improving patient self-management, reducing diabetes-related complications and forming positive habits in patients that support treatment plans.</span>

<span>"<span>The diabetes management program is about improving the health of our population while reducing the growing cost of healthcare," Bollmann said.</span></span>