Medical center adds infusion center

by Jo Rafferty

Staff Writer



Carson Valley Medical Center opened a brand new infusion center in January, for patients who require intravenous therapy.

This is just one of the medical center's expansions that have already been completed or are planned for the future, according to Hospital Administrator Gerry Conley.

"We're really very proud of what we have to offer the community," said Conley, who led a tour of the hospital on Thursday.

The infusion center provides patients with services such as chemotherapy, blood transfusions, IV pharmaceutical therapy, hydration and injection therapy.

It gives patients more control over their treatment schedules, according to hospital information. Rather than going to a busy emergency room and having to be admitted into a hospital, patients at the infusion center are outpatients and can relax on a reclining chair while receiving treatment.

"It's a pleasure to serve the community with such a high-quality facility," said Lori Salvador, Infusion Center registered nurse manager.

One year ago, on Feb. 2, 2004, the medical center completed a full remodel including additions to most of its departments.

Expansions were made in imaging, surgery, the nursing floor and administrative offices. A new kitchen was added, too.

The imaging department also received some new equipment, such as a multislice scanner, Director of Outpatient Services Woodie Ross explained.

"It's quite a bit faster and the pictures have better resolution," said Ross. "It's just easier on the patient all the way around. They just lay you on the table and 20 seconds later they have an answer."

About $3.5 million has been spent on new imaging equipment in the last five years, said Conley.

"We're really very proud of our imaging capabilities. It is much needed in emergencies," he said.

"We've come a long way," said Ross.

Within the last couple of years a Care Flight helicopter has been acquired to transport patients to other hospitals. The medical center provides the pilot and personnel with an apartment to stay in 24/7.

The ambulatory surgery center was converted to a larger surgical department that can handle the 160 surgery patients the hospital treats per month, said Conley.

A 15-bed nursing floor was also part of the 2004 expansion.

The emergency waiting room now has a bereavement room, a place where distraught patients and relatives can sit.

The emergency room corridor was widened, which forced a reduction in rooms from nine to seven.

Expansion of the ER is included in a new master plan, and it will be the first project to be worked on in the plan, said Conley.

The hospital is currently adding a 16,000-square-foot building, which should be completed in mid-July by the Al Shankle Construction Company. The administration offices will take up about 6,000 square feet, with 10,000 square feet to be used for storage.

The are where the administration offices now are will accommodate 10 new beds by July or August, Conley said.

Expansion of the kitchen is also in the forecast, according to Conley, who said he is looking into adding a café.



-- Jo Rafferty can be reached at jrafferty@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 213.