Beyond the Curb Appeal Why Does a New Hospital Matter?

Beyond the Curb Appeal

OUR LEADERS TALK ABOUT WHAT A NEW HOSPITAL MEANS FOR MARSHALLTOWN

Jen Arneson started her medical career at the hospital in Marshalltown. Professionally, she’s grown up inside its walls and has many fond memories of the campus situated by the downtown district.

However, there’s little room for sentimental value when it comes to the future of health care. Twenty-five years into her career, Arneson can’t wait until for the next chapter across town.

That’s because UnityPoint Health – Marshalltown is expanding and transforming its modern medical park into a fully functioning hospital. The new facility is expected to be ready for patients by spring 2022.

“Health care has changed and continues to change, so it’s time to have the right space for the right time,” said Arneson, who became the Director of Nursing for the hospital in 2020. “The current building was appropriate for health care that was delivered a generation ago. Marshalltown deserves to have a state-of-the-art facility to meet the needs of today.”

The new hospital is a testament to the commitment UnityPoint Health is making to Marshalltown. It’s a $38.4 million project that will be a stately landmark at the intersections of highways 30 and 14.

But this project goes far beyond curb appeal. One hundred years after the first hospital was built, there’s an opportunity to make a quantum leap of progress that will dramatically impact the patient experience.

“This building project gives us the opportunity to provide patient-centered care to our community well into the future,” said Shari King, Hospital Administrator. “We need a new facility that will carry us into the future, with enhanced patient and family experience, smooth and efficient workflows all in a safe and inviting physical facility – while adapting to the everchanging healthcare landscape.”

INPATIENT CARE

Obviously, the new hospital is a game-changer for inpatients and their families. It will offer a state-of-the-art experience with rooms double the size of the current ones. These larger rooms will easily accommodate visitors and caregivers, while including walk-in showers for every patient. Furthermore, the medical/surgical area will be a very short elevator ride from the emergency department, and all ancillary services will be nearby.

EMERGENCY CARE

Moving the emergency department into a custom-built addition of the new hospital is a difference-maker, as well. The new ER will feature generously sized rooms that won’t be shared with other patients. As a result, patients will enjoy a comfortable and private space that provides adequate space for family members and increased privacy.

There will also be room for specialty equipment, which will allow certain procedures and tests to be done conveniently inside each room. Furthermore, having all UnityPoint Health services under the same roof will allow the ER to easily coordinate with other departments for things like CT scanning and MRIs.

“Knowing that we’re going to be able to simply raise the

standard of care we’re providing, and that other people think that’s important, that’s why this hospital is meaningful to me,” said Dr. Lance VanGundy, Medical Director of the emergency department.

FACILITIES

The new building will create a more efficient and reliable hospital, too. Facilities Manager Mark Brown welcome a new HVAC system, pumps, chillers and cooling towers, as well as two generators that will cool the building even if there’s a loss of power. In addition, there will be a state-of-the-art nurse call system and building controls that closely monitor all critical equipment, air temperatures and humidity through the building.

“It’s going to be night and day difference,” said Brown, “and anything we can do to make the patient’s experience better, we’re here to make it happen.”

SECURITY

Security will offer a safer and more secure environment for patients, visitors and team members. The consolidation of the two campuses, along with an integrated security system, will allow for better response times, trackable ID badges and security cameras with upgraded technology like artificial intelligence and license plate recognition.

“I’m excited to be a part of this project,” said Matt Clawson, Security Supervisor. “Marshalltown, historically, has seen a lot of changes in its health care. However, UnityPoint Health has come in and made a large investment.”

EMS

The EMS service will have its own separate garage on campus, which will have enough space to house its fleet of trucks. Currently, three of its trucks don’t fit. In addition, the location (near the intersection of highways 30 and 14) will give the team better access to the large rural region it serves.

In addition, the number of sleep rooms will be doubled because Marshalltown’s EMS staff has nearly doubled in size in recent years. Plus, the sleep rooms will be situated next to the garage, allowing for quicker response times (currently, EMS team members are stationed on the third floor of the hospital).

CARDIAC REHAB & RESPIRATORY THERAPY

The new space for cardiopulmonary care will be a customdesigned gym, as opposed to the current space, which is a portion of the third floor of the hospital that was converted into a gym with low ceilings and dark lighting. There will be a new, centrally located computer system to monitor patients and TV monitors on the walls for patients to watch while they work out.

Respiratory care will also have a specially designed area that will be under the same roof as all other services, making them available to help with patient care, such as nebulizer treatments in the operating room. Currently, the two locations are on opposite ends of town.

“The new facility brings a new chapter to Marshalltown and for me,” said Doug Bausman, Cardiopulmonary Supervisor. “I was born in this hospital, all four of my children were born in this hospital, and my wife and I were both employed here for numerous years. This is our town.”

RECRUITING

The benefits of the new hospital go beyond the brick and mortar. The nation is facing a shortage of healthcare providers and nursing, and it’s more challenging than ever for smaller communities to attract providers. UnityPoint Health hopes a modern facility will help bring in new caregivers, while retaining the talent that’s already here.

“The opportunities here in Marshalltown to make a real difference in people’s lives is incredible,” said Arneson. “We have a very diverse community with unique challenges. That said, we want to attract people who don’t just want a job but desire a career and a purpose. This campus will certainly help with that.”