Ascension St. John's Expands Critical Care Capacity For Growing Community

Ascension St. John's ICU completes its newest addition bringing in 18 new beds, which will provide critical care to cardiovascular patients.

Hospital President Mike McBride said the expansion is part of addressing community needs.

"Our community is changing. Our community is growing. Its needs are changing and we just are here as a community asset trying to mold ourselves to meet those community needs in the best way possible," McBride said.

McBride said the old cardiovascular ICU was built in the 1970s, and it was time to make changes.

The hospital's team of nurses and physicians helped.

"They were the most involved in the real design decisions so it can be very functional space for their care," McBride said.

"They got to position everything where they wanted it, to make it most functional for, not only for family members to visit, but also for our staff to work around those critically ill patients," RN Manager Sarah Johnson-McGill added.

Johnson-McGill manages the team of nurses who will work in the new CV ICU, which she said is more than a convenience upgrade. It's one that will contribute to the mental health of patients and team members.

"We actually don't have windows downstairs. So, even having the added light and the brighter colors and the nice blue color scheme, we're excited for it. It's going to make everyone happier," Johnson-McGill said.

The ICU officially begins operation on Wednesday, May 24, with the hospital's grand opening and blessing ceremony.

"This is really God's healing space. That we are his vessel to do his work here in our community," McBride said.

As part of Phase 2, the old CV ICU will be turned into the new Surgical ICU and is expected to be completed by next March.