Rush-Copley adds 32 rooms to surgical unit

With Aurora and nearby towns growing at a breakneck pace, Rush-Copley Medical Center officials knew they'd need more rooms to accommodate prospective patients.

With that in mind, the hospital recently opened a $12 million expansion of its medical/surgical unit on the Rush-Copley campus at 2000 Ogden Ave. in Aurora.

"The expanded unit will allow us to respond to the growing needs of patients in our service area with enhanced facilities and the quality health care they have come to expect from Rush-Copley," said Barry C. Finn, the hospital's president and CEO.

Patients housed in the new unit include those just out of surgery along with some with diabetes-related concerns, pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses.

Shawn Tyrrell, vice president of nursing services and chief nursing officer, said the unit features scenic views of the campus landscape, plasma televisions, DVD players and wireless Internet access in each of the private rooms.

The average length of stay is four days, she said, during which staff members teach patients how to recover from their various illnesses.

"We're completely patient and family oriented so some of those amenities cater more for the visitors staying with the patients for an extended time," Tyrrell said. "Research has shown that patients do better when the family is involved in their recovery, so we're just helping with that."

Nurses and doctors also benefit from the technology and layout of the facility.

Tyrrell said a fold-out computer station is just outside each of the 32 rooms, allowing staff members to enter information in a timely manner while staying close to the patient.

"I'm sure the patients would rather not be here," she said, "but it really is a more comfortable environment for everyone."