MOMS AND NEWBORNS IN STORE FOR SPECIAL DELIVERY IN RENOVATED ROOMS

24 private postpartum birthing suites feature spa-like look and feel

December 8, 2015 (La Mesa)-- Sharp Grossmont Hospital has unveiled a new, fresh lower level of the Women’s Health Center, where moms and newborns are now enjoying 24 completely remodeled, private postpartum delivery suites. The upgrades are the first phase of an overall renovation of the center, which is expected to be completed in 2017 to accommodate the families of the approximately 4,000 babies born at the hospital each year.

“Birth is a celebration of life for the entire family,” said Lily Pisegna, Director, Women’s and Infant Services. “At Grossmont, we embrace a family-centered approach to caring for mothers and newborns, and we encourage family members to participate in the experience.”

The rooms are spacious for families and designed in a way that feels more like home than a hospital. Pisegna added that nature is a focal point as well as the use of soothing colors and artwork. “It’s very relaxing, almost spa-like, which will greatly enhance the patient experience.”

The remodeled suites include flat-screen televisions, new stylish bathrooms, nature inspired artwork, wood planking on the floors and other amenities. Families will also find new furniture, including reclining sleeping chairs for significant others and custom wardrobes.  Each room also offers controlled lighting, solar shades, black-out blinds and private bathrooms with vanity mirrors.

Sharp Grossmont is adopting the Planetree model, which is a commitment to enhance health care from a patient’s perspective. The rooms were designed with this model in mind, which encourages healing in all dimensions -- mental, emotional, spiritual, social and physical -- and integrates medical therapies and access to arts and nature to improve outcomes.

The first phase of construction cost $ 2.2 million and began in the summer 2014. Jeanine Pyka, Manager, OB/GYN and Lactation, stated that guest satisfaction guided the design direction. “What guests see, touch, use and perceive as pleasing influences the birthing experience and the recovery process,” said Pyka.

The design was a collaborative team effort between Sharp Grossmont and Lena Brion of Brion Design, Inc. Brion created the initial design, which the team enhanced throughout construction.

“The rooms are designed for more than just visual appeal. We considered how the patient would use the space, what would make them more comfortable, what would be more convenient and visually attractive. We carved the space creating smooth transitions with the patient in mind,” said Brion. “Once that was achieved, we focused on detailing and shaping the design to continue to enhance a deeper level of the human response, much like a hand fitting in a glove.”

The next phase will focus on remodeling the labor and delivery rooms. The approximate completion date is 2017.  

Sharp Grossmont Hospital has been serving the East County community for 60 years. It is the largest not-for-profit, full-service acute care hospital in San Diego’s East County and is part of Sharp HealthCare, which received the 2007 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nation’s highest Presidential honor for quality and organizational performance excellence. To learn more, visit www.sharp.com/grossmont, call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277) or follow us Facebook.