New Rice Medical Center wing transports patients to the future

Rice Medical Center recently remodeled one of the acute care wings of the hospital to offer patients the opportunity to receive top-of-theline care using best practice standards and modern equipment while remaining in the comfort of their rural community.

This provides them with the best care practices while being close to family who can come often to visit and participate in their healing process.

The 200 Wing of the hospital, newly renamed the Wintermann Foundation Wing, was remodeled with funds donated by the courtesy of the Wintermann Foundation. It has been dedicated to the remembrance of David and Eula Wintermann, two Eagle Lake legends who left their stamp in the city.

The plaque found at the beginning of the corridor advises the hospital “stands as a testament to the vision, leadership, and financial commitment of the Wintermanns.

Utilizing the generous donation of the Wintermann Foundation, Rice Medical Center has purchased upgrades, renovations, and equipment that provide patients with a modern and beautiful facility in which to heal.

Upgrades include beautifully re- modeled rooms, brand new state-of-the-art beds, healing surroundings, and equipment for staff that work at Rice that helps protect their health and safety as well.

“The goal was to have patients feel like they are in a hotel room versus a hospital room,” said Rice Medical Center CEO Kurt Sunderman.

New beds that were purchased support early mobilization, pressure injury prevention, help prevent falls and improve the patient’s experience. Mobi- lift technology requires 63% less muscular force in the lower limbs, which is necessary for early successful mobility.

Automatic lateral lift and newly designed siderail concepts, and a Mobi lift handle all allow for patients to have more autonomy when they are regaining strength and mobility.

There is a 2-3% muscle mass loss in the first 10 days of any hospitalization, this allows patients to get back to their baseline earlier. All the mattresses allow for better pressure reduction, but there are two specialty beds that utilize microclimate pressure reduction to prevent injuries in even the most vulnerable of patients.

Fall prevention has become a major focus in all facilities that care for patients, and taking care of the community’s most precious possessions safely promoted looking for beds that utilize the latest in fall prevention technology. Finally, the beds can be positioned into a full chair position which improves patient experience.

The newly remodeled bathrooms incorporate wellness-oriented elements such as calming colors, soft lighting, and space to allow movement with wheelchair and assisting personnel. The open concept shower with benches allows for a comfortable and relaxing bathing experience.

Multiple research articles tout the importance of exposure to nature and the positive effects it has on healing. Healthcare institutions spend millions on biophilic elements, in other words, incorporating nature into the design. Rice Medical Center is fortunate in that they sit on acreage with beautiful trees and small animals that are visible from large windows that help the patient experience the outside during the healing process.

The end of the Wintermann wing holds specialty clinics which include wound care, podiatry, cardiology, nephrology, and dermatology. These allow our community patients to see a specialist without having to drive into the city, a receive the same care without the traffic and stress.

Physical therapy, both outpatient and inpatient resources, also lives in the Winterman wing. This allows patients to receive therapy using top of the line equipment from experienced and caring physical therapy staff.

“The recent investments in our facility have significantly enhanced patient outcomes, allowing us to provide the level of care and comfort that our patients and their families seek,” said Alethea Chapman, Manager of Acute Care. “As a result, Rice Medical Center has emerged as a highly sought after facility, particularly for our swing bed population.” Michele Carter, CNO has helped achieve that community atmosphere by striving for a 4:1 patient to nurse ratio. “Nurses are happier, and the patients get more attention.”