Olympia area mothers-to-be who plan to deliver their babies at Capital Medical Center this fall can look forward to a comfortable new spa-like environment. Renovations of the Women’s Services unit—which include adding two labor and delivery suites, a more modern look, and improved functionality—are scheduled to be completed in October. The hospital staff pushed for this remodel so they could make deliveries even more special than they already are.
“We want to cradle new moms and their spouses in a positive environment,” says Gail Yandell, director of Women’s Services.
Designed with comfort in mind for the new mothers, fathers and babies, the remodel is expected to cost $1.2 million. That includes pastel colors in the rooms and the hallway, new wood floors, new light fixtures, easier-to-use showers in the rooms, a soaking tub to ease pain during labor, more comfortable furniture in the waiting room, beds in the rooms for spouses, and even new cribs for the infants.
Chief Nursing Officer Becky Means says, “We treat these people like our neighbors because many of them actually are. Our nurses who live in the community give high-quality personal attention, and we want that same quality to show in the aesthetics and décor of our birthing suites.”
Yandell says 660 babies are born at the center each year. She anticipates that number will be increasing because the updates will make the facility more desirable to pregnant mothers. Capital Medical also has a lactation consultant on staff who helps moms get started with breast feeding. The consultant is also available by phone or in person free of charge after new moms go home.
The center will continue to receive patients during construction because only two rooms will be under construction at a time, says Julie Leydelmeyer, director of marketing and public affairs.
A tour of the Women’s Services unit can be scheduled by calling 360.956.3587.
HEATHER LARSON
For Additional Information:
capitalmedical.com