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9 TheSouthShoreMagazine.com integrated of of they in the corridors, and decorative elements of wood and glass help create a warm, soothing atmosphere for families and patients. patients' families are supported during this stressful time in several ways in the unit. Visitors may not even notice the little details that were carefully thought out for the comfort of the family, including a dedicated peaceful family area, a café kitchen with a Keurig coffee maker, a children's play area, ports for families to charge their phones, and a restful meditation room with a beautiful treetop view. "It's important that these families are in surroundings that are warm and comfortable," says Bill Curtis, a pembroke resident who volunteers at South Shore Hospital and is a member of the hospital's patient/Family advisory Council. Curtis worked closely with the design team to provide the patient and family perspective to the new unit's plan. "That's what we tried to accomplish with this new unit," he says. Curtis provided valuable feedback to the unit's designers that led to wall hooks placed in the patient's bathrooms so they can hang a toiletry kit, and diaper changing tables placed in the family bathrooms for visitors with babies or toddlers. Curtis' connection with South Shore Hospital is a personal one. "I'm a South Shore Hospital 'frequent flier,'" he jokes. "I've had multiple surgeries here, and South Shore has taken great care of my family for years." neW TeCHnoloGy Helping to serve the growing population of complex critical patients, the new CCU boasts state-of-the-art technology that makes patient care more efficient, connected and cutting-edge. For example, dialysis machine hook-ups were placed in every room so that patients can stay in their rooms and not have to travel somewhere else on the floor. physicians and nurses played a key role in designing the rooms, and gases, ports and plugs have been placed on each side of the bed so that treatment providers don't have to reach over a patient to connect equipment. When clinicians take vital signs, the data is now seamlessly and automatically integrated into the patient's electronic medical record. "The interconnectability is amazing," says Dr. patel. "The potential for telemedicine consultation and the ability to transmit data from room to room is very useful." ICU physicians are currently using temperature management for patients who suffered cardiac arrest. The equipment cools the patient's body to just below normal temperature to improve the patient's brain function. "This helps the patient regain their quality of life," says Dr. patel. The new unit now has the space The new spacious patient rooms feature large windows which allow for an abundance of natural light. natural light is an important part of the patient's healing process. The CCU has many design elements that are intended to be soothing and calming, including original artwork that highlights the beauty of the South Shore. h&h.Winter (Dec) 2017.indd 9 12/27/17 2:01 PM