Catholic Health World
| February 15, 2010 |
Volume 26, Number 3 |
St. Elizabeth to unveil 150-bed hospital in Lafayette, Ind., this month
On Feb. 25, St. Elizabeth Regional Health will open a 150-bed hospital in Lafayette, Ind., that administrators say was developed with significant input from clinicians and community members.
The $195.8 million St. Elizabeth East houses a women's center, a neonatal intensive care unit, pediatric center, heart center, cancer program, orthopedic department and outpatient center. The hospital's emergency department has 26 bays.
The hospital features patient-centered design including a layout that separates patients and visitors from the "back-of-the-house" functions of the hospital. For instance, staff and employees use elevators and private hallways that are separate from the ones visitors use. This allows staff to move throughout the hospital quickly. St. Elizabeth East also has a color scheme that helps people to navigate the building more easily. The hospital's courtyard and chapel give patients and visitors a calming place for respite.
St. Elizabeth Regional has two other hospitals in Lafayette: St. Elizabeth Central and Home Hospital. The latter will close after St. Elizabeth East opens.
St. Elizabeth formed its Community Visioning Task Force to enable local residents to provide input on the hospital's design. In recognition of the significant role community members played in the facility's development, St. Elizabeth used the theme "This Hospital Was Built for You" during a January blessing and dedication ceremony.
Copyright © 2010 by the Catholic Health Association
of the United States
For reprint permission, contact Donna Troy
or call (314) 253-3450.