Dr. Jeff Vacirca, CEO and managing partner of New York Cancer & Blood Specialists, cuts the ribbon on the renovated 2 South patient unit, which serves primarily cancer patients. The unit was named for the group in recognition of a generous donation.
PORT JEFFERSON, NY ― Mather Hospital has completed an extensive renovation of its 2 South Oncology and Medical/Surgical Unit, designed to provide an exceptional healing environment for patients.
Opened in 1973, the 2 South patient care unit, which primarily treats cancer patients, was designed with double-bedded rooms. Most patients today prefer single-bedded rooms and research shows they result in improved patient outcomes. Single-bedded rooms also optimize patient privacy, which is important to all patients but particularly those facing the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. All oncology rooms on the unit are now single-bedded.
While Mather has an excellent infection prevention program, single-bedded rooms further reduce the risk of infection, an important factor for cancer patients whose immune systems are already compromised. The unit also features separate hand washing sinks for physicians, nurses and other caregivers. The renovation also added showers and enlarged bathrooms to the single-bedded rooms to increase patient comfort and privacy.
Bedside computerized nurse charting stations with locked medication/supply cabinets in every patient room allow the nurse to spend more time at the patient’s bedside. Mather previously incorporated this innovation in its newest patient unit, 3 North.
In addition, the remainder of the 2 South patient care unit received a facelift with a new nurses station, patient family lounge, serenity room and entry way, providing improved comfort to patients, visitors and staff. Modern design enhancements facilitate privacy, communication and teamwork, which will have positive effects on outcomes such as improved patient satisfaction. The creation of a family lounge offers space for small group gatherings; as well as a place for family members to rest and renew their strength while staying close to their loved ones.
In addition, more than 30 local artists from The Setauket Artists, LIMarts, and the North Shore Art Guild donated original works to add beauty and warmth to the unit.
The project was largely supported through community donations totaling close to $1.7 million.
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About Mather Hospital
Mather Hospital is an accredited 248-bed, non-profit community teaching hospital dedicated to providing a wide spectrum of high-quality healthcare services to Suffolk County residents, showing compassion and respect and treating each patient in the manner we would wish for our loved ones. Mather has earned the prestigious Magnet® recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), which recognizes healthcare organizations for quality patient care, nursing excellence and innovations in professional nursing practice. Mather has received 14 “A” ratings for patient safety from The Leapfrog Group. No other hospital in New York State has received more top ratings. For further information about Mather Hospital, visit www.matherhospital.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/matherhospital.
About Northwell Health
Northwell Health is New York State’s largest health care provider and private employer, with 23 hospitals, about 750 outpatient facilities and more than 13,600 affiliated physicians. We care for over two million people annually in the New York metro area and beyond, thanks to philanthropic support from our communities. Our 70,000 employees – 16,000-plus nurses and 4,000 employed doctors, including members of Northwell Health Physician Partners – are working to change health care for the better. We’re making breakthroughs in medicine at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. We’re training the next generation of medical professionals at the visionary Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and the Hofstra Northwell School of Graduate Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies. For information on our more than 100 medical specialties, visit Northwell.edu and follow us @NorthwellHealth on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.