Personal Touch

UNM Hospital Employees Vote on Potential Furniture for the Critical Care Tower

From Jan. 24 through Feb. 3, the administration suite at The University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH) was a hotspot of excited activity.

Not only could staff sign the final beams to be placed atop the new Critical Care Tower (CCT), but they could also test numerous furniture samples to help determine which will go inside the CCT.

"This furniture demo was an exciting opportunity to help shape the aesthetic and function of our new hospital tower,” said Barry Benson, RN, unit director of the Neurosciences Intensive Care unit at UNMH. “Having the input of the people doing the work and utilizing this space is essential to the creation of a successful and sustainable new environment.”

Employees had a variety of furniture to evaluate, including recliners and sleeper sofas in patient rooms, Emergency Department triage chairs and typical office chairs.

Each specific piece of furniture was designed with a focus on physical and social support, environmental impact and cleaning protocols. Staff could rank each sample according to comfort, sturdiness and practicality.

One team particularly involved in the furniture demo was UNMH Rehabilitation. Angela Lucero-Horton, MPT, CLT, director of Inpatient Rehabilitation Services, was grateful that she and her team members were able to lend their expertise on this project.

“Participating in the furniture demo allowed Rehab Department staff to assess furniture options from a functionality and safety standpoint for patients, staff and visitors,” she said.

Anita Nevarez, director of Environmental Services (EVS), was also excited that her team could participate in this important behind-the-scenes work.

“The furniture demo was an excellent way to engage EVS staff to encourage and promote feedback and foster an environment where staff feel invested in CCT decision making,” she said.

 

The furniture demo was an excellent way to engage EVS staff to encourage and promote feedback and foster an environment where staff feel invested in CCT decision making.

— Anita Nevarez, Director of Environmental Services

 

The next step in the furniture selection process is to evaluate the feedback from staff to decide which pieces make the final cut. The upholstery of the selected furniture will be redesigned to coordinate with UNMH colors and style.

From the start of the hospital expansion, UNMH has committed to buy local whenever possible, working with many New Mexican-owned businesses in Albuquerque and across the state.

The furniture selection is no different. UNMH has partnered with several local furniture companies to ensure the best chairs and couches New Mexico has to offer will be inside the CCT.

As this nine-story facility continues to take shape, the furniture demo was another important milestone in the mission to take care of more New Mexicans right here at home.

 To learn more, visit https://unmhealth.org/locations/tower.html.

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