A grand opening for the new 18-bed Orthopedics Unit on the third floor of Hutchinson Regional Medical Center (HRMC) was held on Friday, Oct. 4. The $2.67 million improvement in the unit is another example of Hutch Regional’s ongoing goal to invest in care for the Hutchinson community while supporting the organization’s medical staff and services within the region. 

Procedures performed in the unit will include knees, hips, shoulders, spine, fractures and Sports Medicine. Included within the unit is a recovery gym and hall markers have been installed to help patients measure distance for post-surgery walks. Physical therapy will start immediately following surgery in an area near the patient rooms. 

Patient education is an essential component leading to positive outcomes. A special patient portal will provide information to the patient throughout the orthopedic experience. Good patient education may reduce anxiety, pain, length of hospitalization, enhance performance of exercise and mobilization, and adherence to instructions. 

Orthopedic patients will be separate from the general hospital population and staff working within the unit will be dedicated only to the orthopedics practice, from surgery through recovery. All rooms are private. 

Wes Hoyt, Chief Operating Officer at HRMC said the enhancements are designed to create an improved patient experience.

“Patients will literally start their recovery prior to surgery with the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program through one-on-one meetings with the surgeon, nurses, anesthesiologist, and dietician to develop a pre-operative plan,” Hoyt said. “This addition to our orthopedic service line further demonstrates our commitment to providing the Hutchinson community and our primary service area with outstanding healthcare.”

Hutchinson Regional Medical Center is an entity of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System.