Renovations Elevate Support for Complex Care Pediatric Patients

Nationally known for their work in pediatric rehabilitation and complex care, Bethany Children’s Health Center is one of the largest free-standing inpatient pediatric rehabilitation hospitals in the country. The Complex Care Units (CCU) provides specialized healthcare to children, ages newborn to 20 years old, with complex medical needs. These patients often live with chronic health conditions and require ongoing medical care. To match the world-class medical care their patients receive, Bethany Children’s asked REES to update their 25-year-old units.

A total of 35,900 square feet was updated across the units. Renovations were done in a phased approach, minimizing disruption to ongoing patient care and maintaining a safe healthcare environment. Parents shared with REES designers that the patient areas lacked space. With the average stay of these patients in the CCU being two years, the units needed to be as roomy and home-like as possible. Each area now includes dedicated storage and shelving to store personal items. Nurses can use patient lifts above the beds, instead of pushing in a portable lift to each of the patient spaces. Rooms have high-tech headwalls installed, equipped with television screens and entertainment systems.

Nursing stations are positioned at the entry of the units, allowing staff to effectively oversee visitors and manage patient care simultaneously. Alcoves were created throughout each of the units for the hospital’s Pyxis systems, an automated medication dispenser. Updates were also completed in the units’ bathing rooms, enhancing accessibility and comfort for the diverse needs of patients. These improvements provide a more efficient, user-friendly experience for patients, providers and caregivers, contributing to a higher standard of care within Bethany Children’s Health Center.

The CCU renovations were partially funded by The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The State of Oklahoma allocated some of its funding to local nonprofits that offer long-term housing and care facilities for children and their loved ones.