Kansas Conversion

Rendering courtesy of Via Christi Hospitals Wichita, Inc.
 
WICHITA, Kan. — In preparation of the Aug. 5 opening of Via Christi’s $93 million hospital, 12 semi-private rooms at an existing facility were converted to private rooms to provide training in a paper-light environment similar to the one planned at the new hospital.
 
Via Christi worked with Kansas City-based All Systems Design Solutions to build the prototype units, which were designed to train nursing and patient-care staff to use Radio Frequency Identification technology that will be in used at the new facility. Using remote sensors, staff can track the location of equipment, forms, and other items within the hospital.
 
The prototype environment will also provide training for texting information via smart phones, which reduces the amount of time spent looking for employees and does not disturb patients, says Melissa Evraets, clinical nursing manager for Via Christi Hospitals Wichita, Inc.
 
“This [prototype unit] gives us the chance to get to know each other and to evaluate some of the new technology and processes we’re planning to use at our new hospital in west Wichita,” wrote Evraets on the Via Christi blog. “While the new technology is still under review, our patients already are giving the unit a big thumbs-up. They like the private room, the feel of the environment and the care and attention that they’re getting from our staff.”
 
Construction on Via Christi’s new hospital began in October 2008. Omaha, Neb.-based architect Leo A Daly and Howard + Helmer Architecture of Kansas City, Mo., designed the 72-bed facility. Simpson & Associates of Wichita is the general contractor for the project.

Designed with input from physicians, clinicians, community leaders, and West Wichita residents, the new hospital will include 48 medical/surgical beds and 12 universal beds. Built on a 120-acre site, the facility will include four labor and delivery suites, eight post-partum beds, and six operating suites, including two for inpatients, two for outpatients, and two for gastrointestinal patients. A cardiac catheterization lab will also be on site, along with an emergency department with four acute and five fast-track bays, a lab, pharmacy, and a chapel for use by patients, families, and the neighboring community.
 

Developers are also constructing a 60,000-square-foot attached medical office, which will house physician offices, physical rehabilitation services, medical equipment retail space, and administrative areas.
 
Via Christi operates medical centers and senior services communities and programs in Kansas and northeast Oklahoma.