Iredell Memorial Hospital Critical Care Unit Expansion Now Open

Iredell Health System is pleased to announce the completion of the first phase of the Critical Care Unit (CCU) expansion at Iredell Memorial Hospital.

Patients in the existing CCU began being moved into the expansion today. The new area features private bathrooms, expansive hallways, and large windows that create an ideal environment to foster healing. It also includes three rooms with bariatric ceiling lifts, allowing staff to safely and ergonomically move patients greater than 350 pounds with ease.

The original unit was opened in the 1980s, and renovations to that section will soon begin. Once completed, the CCU, which previously had 16 patient beds, will increase to 27.

“We look forward to continuing on with the next phase of this project to renovate the existing rooms. That final phase will be completed around the end of the year,” said John Green, President & CEO of Iredell Health System.

The CCU provides care for two different specialties: intensive care and progressive care. Intensive care is for patients requiring care for life-threatening injuries and illnesses. Progressive care is for patients that are stable but require more intensive care than in a traditional hospital setting. The current CCU sees approximately 4,700 patients each year. This number is expected to increase dramatically post expansion.

Prior to the Davis Regional Medical Center closure, leadership at Iredell Health System had been discussing renovating the CCU and emergency department. When news broke of the imminent closure, the team swiftly moved into action, making the expansion a reality in two short years.

“We are thankful to our administrative team for having the forethought to include the new CCU with the ED expansion and our Board of Directors for approving the funds to make this happen for our patients and community,” said Becky Wagner, Vice President of Nursing and Patient Care Services.

Pictured: Critical Care Unit Director Kathy Lail stands with Assistant Director Danielle Simmons inside one of the new CCU rooms.