Hospital unveils newly renovated ICU

Uniontown Hospital has completed renovations to the Intensive Care Unit and commemorated the completion of the year-long project with a dedication ceremony Aug. 28.

The dedication was held to honor Joe Hardy and his wife, Jodi, who donated a portion of the funds used to renovate the unit. Jodi Hardy was a longtime nurse in the ICU and Joe Hardy is the founder of 84 Lumber and owner of Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington.

“We are grateful to the generosity of the Hardy family and to their commitment to helping us make a healthy difference by providing for the best care of our community,” Uniontown Hospital CEO Steve Handy said. The donation was commemorated with a plaque just inside the main entrance doors to the ICU during the ceremony.

The renovations included upgrades across the department, with cosmetic advances to help match ICU rooms with the look and feel of the hospital.

All 15 private patient rooms were refaced with a light wood décor and a combination of hospital-themed earth tones to create a pleasing and calming aesthetic.

Department Director Denise Satanek said that each patient room is self-contained and stocked with the necessary equipment to care for each individual patient and noted that new doors were installed on each room to decrease noise and enhance privacy and accessibility.

Recliners were also added to each room for patient and family comfort and convenience.

LED lighting with dimming switches were installed in patient rooms and the hallways.

“We want to promote rest and sleep and quiet times for critical patients,” Satanek said, noting that framed photos of the Laurel Highlands in each room also help to sooth patients and visitors.  

Sandy Thorpe, Executive Director of Critical Care Services, said that the overall department also underwent upgrades, including the addition of storage rooms to each side of the unit as well as multiple storage areas for medical equipment and supplies around the core area of the unit.

A welcome/reception desk was added at the west entrance and three handwashing stations were positioned throughout the unit to facilitate infection control precautions. 

“We are committed to ensuring exceptional care for our most critical patients and these upgrades provide our staff the opportunity to have ease of access to the tools they need while still being mindful of the family members that are there to help support each patient,” Thorpe said.

The work was completed in stages to continue to accommodate critical care for patients and contractors temporarily portioned the unit as the progressed to minimize any inconvenience for patients and visitors.

Thorpe specifically thanked the contractors and the hospital Facilities Management team for their efforts to ensure that the project moved forward while being committed to placing the highest priority on patient care.

To learn more about Uniontown Hospital, please visit uniontownhospital.com.