Elaine S. Larson Surgical Center Campaign - Allina Health

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the United hospital foundation
the United hospital foundation recognizes that for United hospital to continue meeting the needs of the
community and of the practitioners who provide the expert care, the Surgery department needs to be
rebuilt, including renovating the existing operating rooms. in 2011, United hospital foundation launched
a campaign toward this goal. Some of the board members opted to get up close and personal with the
situation by touring the facilities and observing a surgical procedure. their experiences highlight the need
for this project.
joan thompson, Minnesota Wire
Thompson oversaw a neurosurgical procedure that involved replacement of a metal
plate in the patient’s spine. “I was left with an excellent impression of the surgeon, Dr.
Jerone Kennedy, and his inclusion of the skilled staff in the room. There were more
than 13 people who came into and out of the room during the five-hour procedure,”
said Thompson.
“The room was cramped, and it was apparent that efficiencies were difficult to achieve,
including moving equipment as needed. At one point technicians had to lay on the
floor under the patient to continue checking on all the wires needed to monitor the
patient.” She noticed inefficiencies in the way inventory was presented during the
procedure and the storage of medical equipment in the hallways. “Improving the space
in the Surgical Center will provide for the physicians and staff to do their absolute
best work. Patients at United Hospital deserve that,” Thompson said.
russell King, King Capital Corporation, Board Secretary
King observed several hours of a complex neurosurgical procedure that took more
than 23 hours in total. He said he never felt that the room had a direct impact on the
patient’s outcome, and that he wasn’t expecting any impact based on the expertise of
the physician and staff. He was struck, however, by the amount of “clutter” outside the
room. “It was almost oppressive, with all the carts, equipment, gurneys in the hallway.
I could see that this would impact the workflow, adding to the challenges for those
who work in this environment every day.”
“Everything comes back to the fact that United Hospital is a community resource,
with the operating rooms at its core,” he said. “United is a community resource that
needs to be the best it can be.”
dan Mott, fredrikson & Byron
Mott observed a half day of spinal fusion surgery from a step stool. He said the layout
of the room looked like it was out of the 1960s and 70s and very small, given the size
of the equipment used. “It was like buying a house with green shag carpeting; the
presentation was not great,” Mott said.
United’s operating rooms need to be modern and up-to-date. “I saw first-hand that
to provide 21st century care, our surgeons and caregivers need space that is larger and
can be adaptable,” Mott explained. “This will allow us to provide the highest level of
care for patients.”