Surgical Suites

As we stand ready to introduce the region’s newest surgical facility, it’s comforting to recall that the Stormont-Vail HealthCare commitment to meeting the ever-changing health needs of northeast Kansas families reaches back nearly 120 years. When Christ’s Hospital opened in Topeka May 1, 1884, it was the first non-military hospital in Kansas and was considered the first "modern" hospital in the state.

The founders, Bishop Thomas Vail and his wife, Ellen Bowman Vail, could not have imagined all the changes that would take place in health care between then and today. Their labor of love, with the help of the Topeka community, later joined forces with the Jane C. Stormont Hospital and Training School for Nurses and eventually became Stormont-Vail HealthCare serving thousands of people annually from a wide region throughout northeast Kansas.

When Stormont-Vail’s existing operating rooms first opened in July 1953, they were the most advanced facilities available. But while the hospital has kept pace — often taking the lead — with innovations in medical practices and technology, it was clear in the late 1990s that a new surgical facility would soon be necessary.

New facilities designed for the needs of the next 50 years
Approaching a half-century of use, Stormont-Vail’s existing operating rooms were hard pressed to keep up with new medical technology and services. The rooms offered neither the space nor the electrical and technical connections needed to install breakthrough equipment soon to be available. Remodeling was not an option because the necessary changes were too great. Plus, the current space would be needed for ongoing surgeries until the new facilities would be ready.

The hospital’s forward-thinking leaders and staff began planning for a new surgery addition. To help meet as many present and future needs as possible, they reviewed surgical facilities in Minneapolis, St. Louis, Tucson and elsewhere. Patients, families and physicians were interviewed for their suggestions.

Focus group surveys told Stormont-Vail that patients were especially interested in convenience and confidentiality. They wanted quick and easy admissions, the latest surgical equipment and facilities, comfortable recovery rooms and a pleasant waiting area for the family — all in one convenient, privacy-secured building. In case it became necessary, they also wanted immediate access to emergency and in patient care.

"After 50 years, the new surgery addition was not a luxury but an absolute necessity. The changing health care environment and public needs and expectations require it," said Jane Asher, Stormont-Vail director of surgical services. "And with all the careful planning we have done, it may be 50 more years before we need another one!"

From groundbreaking to completion in just over two years
Ground was broken May 1, 2001, for the $35.7 million project to be completed almost exclusively by local contractors. The two-story addition would include 132,000 square feet of new construction and 24,000 square feet of renovated space. The building would feature covered parking, 18 new operating rooms, two minor-procedure rooms, 27 private rooms in admission/discharge and a 19-bed surgical recovery area. The second floor would offer staff education areas, employee and physician lounges, locker rooms and support systems.

As construction continued through 2002, Maynard Oliverius, SVHC president and chief executive officer said, "The addition will provide an excellent workplace environment with space to accommodate future technology … reinforcing the high quality of health care available here."

Work continued on schedule through mid-June 2003 as the final details were completed and equipment installed. The result is the newest and most full-service surgical facility in the region — offering wide-ranging benefits for physicians, patients and their families.

A more convenient and pleasant surgical experience for everyone
"First and foremost, the addition is for patients and their families," Oliverius said. Comfort is the watchword, starting with the convenient covered parking area dedicated to surgery patients. A covered, circular drive allows patients to be dropped off at the private entrance, just like a hotel. Admissions and pre-op are nearby. In fact, the entire process has been streamlined with everything from admission through recovery rooms housed in one location. Patients concerned with their post-operative appearance will be glad to know that a discreet exit will allow them privacy as they leave.

"Our new Surgery Suites addition brings everything together in one full-service setting," Asher said. "It is much like a free-standing facility — you don’t have to enter the hospital to have your surgery. But there is comfort in knowing we can immediately address any complication. Everything you need is here at Stormont-Vail, including many hands with the expertise to care for unexpected emergencies."

Families, too, will discover that their needs have been carefully considered. Cramped waiting areas have been replaced with more than 5,000 square feet of graciously furnished space. There’s room to spread out, food service, a children’s area and even reclining chairs.

The most up-to-date equipment and facilities for surgeons to use
The facility is designed for the convenience, comfort and efficiencies of surgeons and staff as well. The suites are larger and lighter to offer a more pleasant operating climate and to make room for the latest technology. The facility will accommodate inpatient and outpatient surgical procedures.

Within the surgical suites, a leading-edge "sterile corridor" has been designed within a one-eighth mile circumference. Structural, steel mounting brackets built into surgery suite ceilings allow for the newest lighting and equipment systems to be hung and conveniently swung into position over the operating area.

Special cables are already in place for upgrade to OR-1, an integrated operating room system featuring touch-screen technology with voice-activation capabilities. Digital X-ray systems will eventually make diagnostic services easier, faster and more accurate. Even technology that has just become available, such as robotics, has been considered.

Staff and physicians will appreciate spacious, convenient locker rooms, a comfortable lounge and paperwork area and meeting rooms. There are overnight quarters for staff who are required to stay on-site while on call.

Long-term benefits for the entire community
The new Surgical Suites will help Stormont-Vail HealthCare efficiently care for patients while comforting their families. But the value of the new suites reaches beyond the immediate medical benefits.

"This facility will be a good recruitment tool for surgeons and other medical staff," Oliverius said. "And as new businesses consider locating in Topeka, this addition may help by reinforcing the high quality of health care available here."

Since 1884, Stormont-Vail HealthCare has worked hard to make Topeka and northeast Kansas a better place to live and raise a family. Offering unique services, such as the region’s only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and leading in technology with the area’s first Computer-Aided Detection mammography equipment, Stormont-Vail has a proven record of service to our community. And now, Stormont-Vail introduces the most up-to-date surgical facilities in the region.

"Stormont-Vail’s mission is: working together to improve the health of our community," Oliverius said. "As a non-profit, community hospital with more than 3,000 dedicated staff members, we offer around-the-clock 24/7/365 service to all citizens. You can rely on Stormont-Vail HealthCare to be here for your health … all the time."

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The 18 new operating rooms range in size from 550 to 800 square feet each. They are housed within a centralized "sterile corridor" 1/8 mile in circumference. Although the Surgical Suites addition is entirely self-contained, complete hospital services are immediately available if necessary.

Each operating room features high air exchange for optimum sterility. Roomsare prepared for OR-1 integrated touch-screen and voice-activated operating room systems. Conversion to digital X-ray systems, robotics and other breakthrough technology is planned.

The Surgical Suites feature 27 private rooms in the admission/discharge area and a 19-bed recovery area.

A circular drive-up offers convenient front-door acccess and covered parking.

Comprehensive surgical services, streamlined from admissons to pre-op, through surgery and recovery to discharge, are conveniently housed in one location.

The 5,000-square-foot family waiting space offers food service, private communications areas with phones and Internet access, a children's area and comfortable seating.