TRINITY, Texas - Since the May 1 ribbon-cutting that celebrated
the completion of the $7.4 million expansion project at ETMC
Trinity, hospital staff have been busily admitting patients into
the spacious new 15-bed nursing unit, and marking the first surgery
performed at the hospital in more than 20 years.
Since the new nursing unit opened on May 21, it has averaged 10
patients each day and earned raves from patients and family members
alike for its spacious, comfortable rooms and private baths.
"This is a very exciting time for ETMC Trinity. The new nursing
wing brings the hospital up to the highest standards of patient
care through the purchase of new high-performing beds and beautiful
private rooms," said Brett Kirkham, hospital administrator. "We
have been receiving such a positive response every day from
patients and family members regarding the new rooms, and they are
extremely happy to find out that the new rooms are all
private."
On May 25, the hospital marked a milestone with the first
surgical procedure in more than 20 years, performed by Bob Carlson,
MD, FACS, a board certified general surgeon. Since then, more than
15 procedures, ranging from colonoscopies to hernia repairs, have
been performed, allowing Trinity residents to recover while closer
to home and family.
"It is nice to have a facility close so my patients don't have
to go out of town," Dr. Carlson said. The surgery department offers
two surgical suites, a post-anesthesia care unit, and areas for
patients to be prepared for surgery.
The project was made possible through a partnership between the
East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System and the
Trinity Memorial Hospital District. Previously the two entities
partnered to renovate the emergency department and create a
comfortable waiting area for its patients and families. They also
worked together to create the spacious ETMC First Physicians
clinic, which cares for hundreds of patients each month.
The recent construction project also included the creation of a
new main entrance for the hospital, offering a drive-through canopy
to protect visitors from the elements, a new lobby and comfortable
registration areas. An additional canopy has been added to
the ambulance entrance of the emergency department.
A new kitchen, specially equipped with commercial food service
equipment, and a cafeteria capable of seating 50 have been added at
the hospital. "The new cafeteria and food service line have been
well received by patient's family members, community members and
staff. We have been averaging 30 meals a day and continue to
explore offering new items to our menu," Kirkham said.
Additional hospital parking has also been created.
Members of the Trinity Memorial Hospital District board are:
Larry King, Carlyn Bluis, Jim Rippey, Jerry Russ, Lois Saldana,
Cheryl Spearman, Laura Vanecek, Dave Ward and Marguery
Williams.
Members of the ETMC Trinity board of directors are: Elmer G.
Ellis, ETMC Regional Healthcare System president/CEO; ETMC Senior
Vice President for Affiliate Operations Jerry Massey, ETMC Senior
Vice President/CFO Byron Hale, ETMC Crockett Administrator Terry
Cutler, Mr. King, Ms. Vanecek, Jessica Parish and Dr. Amol
Deshpande.