New Patient Tower Opens at Dr. P. Phillips Hospital

LYNNE JETER

New Patient Tower Opens at Dr. P. Phillips Hospital | Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, Orlando Health, Mark Schaefer, Skylight ACCESS, Orlando Regional Sand Lake Hospital, John Hillenmeyer

Expanded Facility Serves Southwest Orlando Community



Just before Thanksgiving, clinicians began treating inpatients in the new Dr. P. Phillips Hospital tower on Turkey Lake Road in southwest Orlando.

The hospital, part of Orlando Health, added capacity for 142 additional patient rooms and enhanced medical services. The new patient tower includes 46 intensive care unit private rooms, 48 progressive care unit private rooms, space for 48 medical surgical beds, eight surgical suites, and five cardiac catheterization rooms. The tower also features an infusion therapy area, an 80-seat outpatient diagnostics services waiting area, a 70-seat surgical waiting area, expanded imaging and non-invasive diagnostics departments, and expanded support departments.

"For nearly 23 years, providing medical care has always been a privilege and a passion for our team members," said Mark Schaefer, COO of Dr. P. Phillips Hospital. "The new patient tower is one more milestone in our continuing efforts to provide world-class healthcare to our neighbors in the southwest community and out-of-town guests. Our new patient tower reflects today's needs while allowing for room to continue growing with our community."

The new construction reflects another 315,000 square feet of space designed with warm hues and tones and soft lighting in mind. Artwork, furnishings and other decor reflect elements of nature, along with a harmonious blend of natural materials like marble, stone and bamboo flooring that helps create a more relaxing atmosphere for health and healing.

The infusion therapy area, for example, was designed for patients who visit the hospital on a frequent basis for special, extensive treatment such as chemotherapy. It features a dozen outpatient bays overlooking a terrace and walled garden. The reception area includes a faux fireplace and large, flat screen television for waiting family members.

Several key design elements were incorporated in expansion plans to enhance the patient experience, including the centralized location of patient registration, outpatient services such as cardiac catheterizations and endoscopy, and inpatient surgery, forming a one-stop-shop convenience for patients and their families. Also, the new patient care units feature a nursing sub-station for every two rooms, allowing clinicians to enter orders and access critical information closer to bedside.

The Skylight ACCESS system enhances the patient experience via technology in every room that directly connects patients to staff, customized health information, education and interactive services from the bedside.

"Hospital stays can bring anxiety and stress for patients and families as they face medical conditions," said chief nursing officer Phyllis Byles. "In addition to providing excellent clinical care, we want to help them overcome those feelings by offering in-room technology to help communicate more efficiently with staff about needs, learn more about health matters and enjoy high-speed Internet, email and other entertainment options like movies, music and games.

The new tower expansion complements previous projects and enhancements such as a 44-bed emergency department, chest pain center, stroke center, and advanced diagnostic imaging and cardiac diagnostic technology, including a 64-slice CT scanner.

Dr. P. Phillips Hospital also has on site a wound care center, multiple sclerosis comprehensive care center, and Campisi Health Centers, a medically-based wellness program focusing on health, weight loss and lifestyle changes. Also, the Cynthia C. and William E. Perry Pavilion, a two-story hospitality home within the hospital, offers overnight accommodations for families of patients from outside the Orlando area.

Dr. P. Phillips Hospital originally opened as Orlando Regional Sand Lake Hospital on Dec. 10, 1985 to provide quality medical care to southwest neighborhoods and the tourism corridor.

Even then, "Sand Lake Hospital was designed with the patient in mind," said Orlando Health CEO John Hillenmeyer, who then served as the senior vice president responsible for the hospital project. "We sought advice from many patients, doctors and nurses before we allowed the architect to draw a line."

Since then, the medical staff has treated more than 2.5 million patients. Today, Dr. P. Phillips Hospital employs 300 physicians and 1,000 staff who collectively manage more than 12,000 admissions and nearly 90,000 emergency department visits annually.