The Dartmouth General Hospital’s new intensive care unit has opened.
The Lorraine Elizabeth Brownrigg intensive care unit is between the operating rooms and the emergency department, nearby to diagnostic imaging.
Holly Henry, ICU health services manager, said it improves timely access to care and eliminates the need to use the elevator to get ICU patients to critical health services.
“This makes it much more dignified for the patients,” she said. “And much easier for health care providers.”
Henry said the renovated unit is also larger than the old one, including 12-foot ceilings, large windows, and a skylight. She said that will help ease ICU deliriums and improve the overall workplace environment.
Lorraine Elizabeth Brownrigg intensive care unit (ICU) at Dartmouth General Hospital 360-degree view; from DGH Foundation
Inside, new features and equipment include booms, patient lifts, and freestanding, mobile access to power and other hospital resources, which allows 360-degree access to the ICU bed.
It also boasts a dedicated isolation room, with its own antechamber for putting on and taking off personal protective equipment, and a private consultation room.
She said the new ICU is better for patients and care providers, and the bigger space allows families to support their loved ones without getting in the way of lifesaving care.
Lorraine Elizabeth Brownrigg intensive care unit (ICU) at Dartmouth General Hospital administration station; from DGH Foundation
Dr. Natalie Cheng, Dartmouth General medical lead, said it’s more functional and flexible.
“Our new ICU allows us to optimally care for our critically ill patients, adapting to their needs.”
She said the new ICU will have an enormous impact on patients and the health care team.
