UMMC unveils expanded adult inpatient facilities

UMMC unveils expanded adult inpatient facilities

Published on Monday, December 2, 2024

By: Rachel Vanderford, [email protected]

Photos By: Melanie Thortis/UMMC Photography

The University of Mississippi Medical Center is set to open its newly expanded adult inpatient facilities this week, marking a significant milestone in its mission to meet the growing demand for care.

The expansion spans the sixth floor south wing of the University Hospital Adult Tower and the previously unused sixth floor of the Conerly Critical Care Tower. Once fully operational, the new space will provide capacity for 32 medical-surgical beds and 18 intensive care unit beds. The beds will open in phases, ensuring a smooth transition and optimal use of the space.

The med-surg unit will cover approximately 20,500 square feet, while the ICU expansion will span about 15,500 square feet. The renovation of these areas represents a significant investment in the future of patient care and will enhance the Medical Center's ability to address critical capacity challenges.

"By investing in this expansion, we are reaffirming our commitment to delivering exceptional patient care and ensuring that the Medical Center remains at the forefront of health care innovation," said Dr. Alan Jones, associate vice chancellor for health affairs. "This project will make a meaningful impact on patients and their families for years to come."

In addition to patient rooms, the critical care expansionwill feature a dedicated virtual nursing bunker. The area is expected to integrate virtual care beginning in January. The innovative new space will include five virtual RN workstations and two virtual observer workspaces, providing critical support for UMMC's virtual nursing program and allowing for future growth.

Registered Nurse Shanta Menton logs into a computer at the nursing station on the sixth floor of the Critical Care Tower.

"I am enthusiastic about the upcoming developments in our new med-surg unit," said nurse manager Carla Hickmon-Scott. "I firmly believe in the imperative of consistently delivering high-quality health care, as patients deserve the best possible care. This expansion will have a positive impact on patient flow, creating more space for treating patients. This will not only benefit the health care team by generating more job opportunities but also provide a comforting environment for both patients and staff."