WICHITA –Wesley Medical Center’s new Orthopedic and Spine Center opened its doors yesterday. The $10 million renovation and expansion project began in July and included construction of a completely updated physical therapy space, the addition of brand new equipment and monitors, and an expansion from 31 beds to 34.
“The renovation turned out beautiful,” said Regan Christensen, Wesley’s Orthopedic and Spine Center manager. “We now offer the world-class amenities and warm environment that our orthopedic and spine surgery patients deserve.”
Renovations and expansions have been necessary for Wesley Healthcare over the past few years as the health system works to meet the demands of consistent growth, new technology and service expansion.
The Orthopedic and Spine Center project underscores Wesley’s commitment to an already robust orthopedic surgery program. Wesley is recognized nationwide for providing exceptional services in this area, including designation as a Blue Distinction Center+ for Spine Surgery and a Blue Distinction Center for Knee & Hip Replacement as part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Distinction Specialty Care Program. Wesley is one of only nine Kansas facilitates to be recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas for its program expertise and cost-efficiency. Wesley’s orthopedic and spine services programs are both accredited by The Joint Commission.
Wesley is 5-star rated for spinal fusion surgery according to a study released by Healthgrades. The study annually evaluates hospital performance at almost 4,500 hospitals nationwide for 32 of the most common inpatient procedures. Wesley was named among the top 5 percent in the nation for patient safety and received the patient safety excellence award. The complete Healthgrades 2019 Report to the Nation and detailed study methodology can be found on the Healthgrades website.
Additional program components, such as pre-op education classes, nurse navigators and the latest technology will move Wesley toward a Center of Excellence designation for spine and orthopedic surgery services. Wesley has acquired a robotic-arm-assisted machine that helps surgeons provide a CT-derived, patient-specific 3D model to preplan implants.
“We realize people have a choice with where they go for surgery and where they receive care,” said Casey Guber, chief operating officer for Wesley Healthcare. “We want people leaving not only with an exceptional care experience, but a feeling that the amenities were that of a luxury hotel.”
Wesley leaders collaborated with physicians, nursing, physical therapy, IT, plant-operations, environmental services, food services, pharmacy, case management and other hospital leaders to ensure the Orthopedic and Spine Center renovations fit the goal of a luxury environment for healing, Guber said.
The new floor will allow for better physician and patient flow while expanding bed capacity. Ortho and spine unit beds are usually at capacity, with an average of 80 percent in use on any given day, Christensen said. Despite the high-end look and feel, however, the end game is all about exceptional patient care.
“As the director of the Wesley Spine Program, I am excited for the upcoming opening of the new Wesley Orthopedic and Spine Center, said Joey Dean. “Currently, Wesley is the only hospital in the State of Kansas to be recognized by both the Joint Commission in receiving the Disease Specific Spine Designation and Blue Cross Blue Shield in receiving the Blue Distinction Center + designation for Spine. These designations, along with the 5 star rating received from Healthgrades for spine fusion demonstrates the excellent spine care Wesley provides to their patients. The development and implementation of the Spine Program at Wesley has been a collaborative effort among many and has highlighted the exceptional care provided at Wesley.