Pebble Project: Paoli Hospital’s Opening Reception
I had the opportunity to attend Paoli Hospital’s opening reception for the new Pavilion last night, and it was rewarding on a few fronts. While I have been working with Paoli for nearly a year as their Research Associate for the Pebble Project, and while I was also the Principal in Charge of the wayfinding program prior to my work with The Center, it is also my local hospital.
My only prior experience in the Emergency Department included first-hand knowledge of the lack of space. We were put in the end room that was used for overflow of supplies and had no view of the nursing station. As a result, I am thrilled that the new ED is four times the size of the current facility, and incorporates all of the latest thinking about treatment, ranging from fast-track rooms to trauma care. the project also includes new patient units, operating suites, and an ICU, all using EBD features to promote improved healthcare outcomes, and patient and staff safety. They have a fantastic website that uses several mediums to describe their involvement in the Pebble Project and their use of EBD features.
Getting back to the reception, the evening was hosted by Stephanie Stahl, the CBS Medical Reporter in Philadelphia.
There were several other speeches, including a heartfelt presentation by Paoli Hospital President, Barbara Tachovsky who spoke to the stories that made the hospital: the doctors and nurses, the staff, the volunteers, and patients. She also gave a preview of the tour, highlighting many of the EBD features with an explanation of why they were used.
Following, multiple groups were escorted through the various departments to see the future of healthcare at Paoli. On “Tour 6,” many guest commented that everyone should wait until the new Pavilion opens before they get sick or have an emergency.
I hope I never need them, but am I a proud that this is my community hospital? Yes, and I commend Paoli Hospital and their whole team for such enthusiasm, commitment, and dedication to advancing the quality of healthcare, not only in their own facility, but contributing to the body of knowledge for others!