Wesley Medical Center Completes $36M Renovation of Women’s Care Units

WICHITA, Kan. — Wesley Medical Center has completed its $36-million women’s hospital renovation project, providing new moms and moms-to-be with upgraded facilities featuring the latest in comfort and technology. The 65,000-square-foot construction project includes floor and patient room upgrades, including renovation of 65 existing rooms and the addition of 16 new rooms.

“The whole project looks phenomenal,” said Brian Leabo, who, as Wesley’s director of plant operations, has helped oversee the women’s hospital project since planning began several years ago. “It gives moms and families a whole new feel up there – more inviting and calming. I’m really proud of it.”

The final phase of the 18-month construction project included renovations of half of the fourth and fifth floors, plus the entire third floor of the hospital’s women’s tower. This phase renovated more postpartum rooms, as well as outpatient surgery rooms. Like all Wesley patient areas, the new and updated floors contain all private rooms. Unit additions also include new “fan cave” areas decorated in local college décor for waiting families.

The first phase of this project was completed early last year.

“It looks fantastic,” said Janet Watt, an assistant nurse manager in the postpartum unit on the fifth floor. “My first impression is that it’s spacious, warm and inviting. Everything is up to date with top-notch technology.”

Women who stay in Wesley’s newly renovated patient rooms enjoy Lincor communication systems, which give patients access to their clinical information, medical records and test results. Besides watching television programs, patients can also use the Internet, receive health education, listen to the radio, play video games and Skype, all from their bedside.

“The integration of our hospital, clinical and administrative systems will cut costs and create better efficiencies throughout the hospital, all while providing a great patient experience,” said Bill Voloch, Wesley’s interim CEO.  “It’s a win-win for everyone.”

JE Dunn served as the general contractor on the project; Gould Turner Group, Inc. was the architect.