ER Additions Coming Soon

I n the span of little more than a month and a half, the emergency room in Dayton General Hospital is expected to be completely remodeled bringing a new, improved, and most importantly, up-to-code facility.

The remodel should be completely finished by July 23, according to Shane McGuire, the Columbia County Health System director of operations.

The remodel will have more than aesthetic benefits. One late-project alteration included updating the nurse call system from a single-level of alert to the state mandated multi-code alert system. McGuire joked that the emergency room is small enough that anyone could probably just shout for a nurse, but he felt better knowing the wing would be equipped with the required technology.

Residents may feel a renewed sense of confidence with this remodel.

We at the Times are thrilled that the health system is work- ing on meeting state requirements for our emergency room. At a time when funding is tight, it's good to see our public hospital taking the extra steps to provide better care.

When we have to go to the emergency room for any rea- son, we hope to have effective and caring doctors and nurses, a short wait time and the confidence that we are getting the best care with the best technology. The steps the district is taking is moving toward our ideals especially with some new equipment on the way.

The big reveal of the renovated facility will be tied in with the presentation of a new bone density scanner. The excite- ment the staff exudes for the unveiling will be echoed in an official ceremony complete with a ribbon cutting and appear- ance by newly appointed Chamber of Commerce Director Brad McMasters.

The Columbia County Health System has been busy on all sides. A recent state survey demonstrated major improve- ments at the Booker Rest Home. The improvements bring a sense of accomplishment to the staff and Director of Nursing Stephanie Carpenter.

Louie Razzolini, the Booker representative to the board, said lately with some new technology he feels like he gets more time with the staff members who take care of him. We are excited to hear this.

Booker has made a huge step forward with a recent up- grade to its records program.

Carpenter said the previous program was time-consuming and caused the nursing staff to lose time they could otherwise be spending with the tenants. The new software allows staff members to input patient information quickly while allowing Carpenter to keep track of how thorough and complete the information is. She said her staff members have been surpass- ing every goal she has set for data entry.

Even better, the software has cut costs in a big way by helping reduce the overtime hours staff members needed to finish working on documentation. The staff that had once been stretched too thin, Carpenter said, is now willing to volunteer to go on group trips or pick up extra shifts when necessary because they're back to regular hours.

Most importantly, the staff can reconnect with the care the residents need.

"Nurses can be nurses again," McGuire said.

Along with the series of building and technology improve- ments, the hospital staff is in the process of hiring a new CEO to replace interim CEO Jon Smiley after former CEO Charlie Button's resignation earlier this year. The new CEO should be in place by this fall.

Needing health care for ourselves or those we love is often the most stressful event life can throw at you, but with all of the recent and coming upgrades to Dayton General and Booker we should be in for a better care experience.