SRMC's new facility is in a transition of care

Chances are if you've been to Sidney Regional Medical Center (SRMC) since it moved into its new building, you've noticed a few changes. The interior is light and bright, the patterns of the furniture simple in their neutral tones; and the hallways are open, branching off one another to provide an effortless flow throughout the building.

"It's all centralized," Director of Public Relations Evette Parsons said. "Before, we were just walls and not a lot of windows. But fresh light, atmosphere and environment all help in the healing process."

The centralized and open layout of the building was designed with patients in mind. In SRMC's old building, patients had to trek up and down flights of stairs to travel to different departments and weave through a series of doors and corners.

"They might have gotten lost or disoriented," Parsons said. "Now, those who have been here more than once are really liking the way it's set up. The ease of access to services has definitely been enhanced."

The building's layout isn't the only change SRMC has provided its patients to make navigating the hospital easier-a new website and refurbished Patient Portal has been implemented.

SRMC's website allows patients to pay bills and schedule appointments online, and provides a number of patient resources – from tips for preparing for your visit, to frequently asked questions.

The Patient Portal also allows patients to view their own medi cal records to view test results, medications and health problems. In addition, patients can set up their portals to allow them access to medical records of their children or dependent family members.

SRMC's ability to focus on communication, access, timeliness and ease is a direct result from designing the new building.

"We had the opportunity to look back at our processes and see what patients were asking us to do," CEO Jason Petik said.

One recurring request was for more continuity in care. In an attempt to accommodate the request, SRMC has been testing and improving its process for the position of a hospitalist.

A hospitalist is a physician who focuses on patients in the hospital, not the clinic.

"The Hospitalist Program helps physicians focus on whatever area they are in and spend as much time as needed by the patients in the significant areas," Petik said.

In other words, a hospitalist will work alongside a patient's primary physician by answering patient's questions and updating them on the plan of care. This will allow for a more focused and inclusive stay that will help keep patients connected to their health and their physician.

In the past, physicians worked in both the clinic and the hospital. This meant delays in communication while the hospital operated according to physician pace.

When physicians went to do hospital rounds, they would sometimes get behind in their duties in the clinic. When they went to the clinic they might be kept from duties in the hospital.

"Now we have a physician who is assigned solely for hospital work and not responsible for clinic work at the same time," Petik said. "We've seen some real good success with continuity of care and timeliness of care."

SRMC's care also extends beyond the hospital walls. In an effort to fulfill community health needs initiatives, SRMC has been in contact with the City of Sidney to help educate various community groups and organizations. One aspect of this community education includes sending dietitians to grocery stores to keep people informed about dietary needs.

SRMC tested out two Grocery Store Tours in March and plans on holding tours quarterly.

Since settling into the new building, the staff has been focused on utilizing the space efficiently. "It's already enhanced our processes and opened up our communication," Parsons said.

Though the public might not recognize all of the benefits the new building has provided, Petik is confident they will recognize the benefits in SRMC's improved access and speed of care.

For more information on SRMC's community outreach, contact Parsons at (308) 254-5077.