Sunday’s open house will showcase revamped patient facilities at Cullman Regional, including the rooms at the hospital’s Pediatric Center.

Cullman Regional

to showcase 

‘refreshed’ facilities

Benjamin Bullard

bbullard@cullmantimes.com

This Sunday, the fruit of more than three years of hard work will officially pay off for Cullman Regional, when the hospital opens its revamped patient rooms — and more — to the public.

Cullman Regional will host an open house and offer guided tours of its newly-renovated areas from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. The open house will show off the results of the nonprofit Cullman Regional Foundation’s “Refresh-A-Room” project, a capital campaign launched in 2013.

What will you see if you join Sunday’s open house?

Completely upgraded patient rooms — for starters. The hospital features new “smart” beds throughout, which can automatically calculate a patient’s weight, connect with the central Nurse-Call system, and alert care providers in cases when a patient presents a fall risk.

The rooms received upgrades that address décor and function in equal measure.

“We started this project to raise capital funds to restore each patient room. The goal was to create a more modern and accommodating facility for patients and guests. But it really grew into something bigger,” explained foundation Executive Director Maria Stanford.

“As the project gained momentum, the idea took hold that we really needed to refresh every area of the hospital. That included waiting rooms, lobby areas, family conference rooms, surgery, central registration — and all the major access points to the hospital and guest areas. Most every area will be available for viewing at the open house.”

The Foundation’s initial fundraising goal was $2.5 million, but the generosity of both individual and corporate donors pushed the final tally closer to $3 million, according to Stanford.

“I have to say that this project would not have been possible without the community’s support,” she said. “It’s a privilege to have such a fine medical facility in a community of this size, and it’s a privilege to live in a philanthropic community where people are truly invested in the quality of care and service at their hospital.

“The Refresh-A-Room campaign was a volunteer support effort, led by our capital campaign chairman, Danny McAfee, and his leadership has been invaluable throughout this process,” she added. “And, the majority of the construction work was done in-house by our plant operations team. That’s something we’re especially proud of and appreciate.”

 

Benjamin Bullard can be reached by phone at 256-734-2131 ext. 145.