Grande Ronde Hospital (GRH) and the staff at the Family Birthing Center (FBC) are dedicated to giving our patients excellent service, including providing the best in privacy and security.
"We want to make sure that a stay with us doesn't just meet expectations, but exceeds them. We really want to our new moms to be happy with the entire patient experience – and a big part of that is a calm and secure environment. We are really excited about the new enhancements to benefit our littlest patients," says FBC manager Trisha Alexander, RN.
Alexander went on to lay out the changes in how visitors will access patients and patient information, in addition to what is already in place. Currently, all newborns are protected under the state-of-the art Hugs security system. New babies are fitted with an electronic bracelet around one ankle that allows 24/7 monitoring while in FBC care. That process will continue.
In addition, GRH is also installing new security doors for access to the FBC located in the hallway to the right after visitors and patients exit the 3rd-floor elevator. This enhanced safety precaution is meant to ensure a positive experience for new moms by providing the privacy and rest they deserve while in our care, Alexander says.
During the construction phase, all access to the 3rd floor FBC’s waiting room, nurse's station and patient rooms will be through the double doors located in the hallway. There are signs in place to provide direction. GRH appreciates the community's patience while we work to enhance the FBC for the benefit of our new moms and babies.
At this point, and moving forward, the process of checking in to the FBC has also changed. Currently, visitors and patients may call the nurse's station from the phone that is located next to the temporary access double doors. Once the permanent security door is in place, the visitor access telephone will be permanently mounted on the wall next to the door. Simply pick up the handset to be connected to the nurse’s station. A television screen allows nurses to see who is asking for access. Visitors will be asked the name and room number of the patient they wish to visit before they enter.
A final change is the discontinuing of the online nursery on the hospital's website www.grh.org. With the onset of instant messaging and photo capabilities, the benefits of hosting an online nursery no longer outweigh the benefits of patient safety and privacy, says hospital spokesperson Mardi Ford.
"Please be assured," Alexander adds, "we do encourage visitors at the FBC. We know our new moms want to share their babies with family and friends, but we also believe our patients will appreciate our efforts to make sure this joyful time is also as safe as possible."
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