SMH Surgical Services and Patient Care Tower unveils telehealth capabilities in new ICU rooms

With the new addition of the SMH Surgical Services and Patient Care Tower to the hospital campus, the care experience at Slidell Memorial Hospital will be significantly enhanced. This three-story expansion includes several advancements in patient care, starting with a first floor dedicated to the hospital’s intensive care units (ICU).

The new ICU features 12 negative pressure rooms, also known as isolation rooms. These rooms are designed to protect patients with infectious illnesses or those particularly vulnerable to infections from other patients, visitors and healthcare staff. Additionally, the expansion includes four bariatric rooms equipped with motorized Hoyer lifts, which can safely lift patients weighing up to 800 pounds.

Beyond these physical upgrades, each patient room is outfitted with state-of-the-art telehealth technology and capabilities that allow patients to get involved in their healthcare.

What is Telehealth?

Telehealth is a way for doctors to use technology, like computers and smartphones, to provide medical care and advice from a distance. It makes it easier to get health services, learn about staying healthy, manage medical records and share important health information without meeting with a doctor in person.

Telehealth technology allows patients and family members to be involved in their healthcare plans. An aspect of telehealth is remote monitoring, which lets healthcare providers manage and track acute and chronic conditions.

New Telehealth features for patients 

Each ICU room in the Surgical Services and Patient Care Tower will be equipped with electronic Epic Whiteboards that replace the traditional boards that healthcare teams use. As soon as a patient is admitted to the bed the view on the whiteboard will update with the patient's information, schedule, treatment team, emergency contacts and important phone numbers visible to the patient. Information will populate the screen as it arrives from EPIC. The staff whiteboard can be updated and controlled by the patient's care team, and they have the ability to send messages to the patients. 

ICU Director, Scott Dassau believes that the new features available in these new rooms will be a valuable asset for both patients and our care teams. He shares, "All of our rooms are equipped with digital whiteboards. This is critical in involving our patient in their care. We will be able to review radiologic films with the patient and family right at the bedside." 

This is a feature that is not currently available to patients in the ICU and will greatly improve communication and understanding between the patient and their healthcare team.This updated technology will improve the critical care available to the Slidell community. Patients and family members will be more involved in their care plan and information will be readily available. 

These advancements mark a significant improvement in critical care for the Slidell community, making it easier for patients and families to engage with their care plans. Stay tuned for more details on additional features in the new tower.