Gig Harbor is anticipating at least a 3 percent growth in population in the coming years. To care for this expected influx of residents, CHI Franciscan’s St. Anthony Hospital has expanded its operation. Earlier this month, the hospital opened its state-of-the-art fifth floor that will serve as its surgical suite, adding 32 more patient beds that increase the hospital’s overall capacity by nearly 40 percent.
The design of the unit centers on patient safety and improving the hospital experience for patients and their families. The medication dispensing area has been strategically designed to promote the uninterrupted handling of medications, which will help prevent medication errors. The nursing staff will also have increased visibility into patient rooms, allowing for more observation and direct line of sight.
The hospital also expects the additional capacity to provide relief to the high occupancy rate at the hospital, increasing patient satisfaction and reducing patient wait times in the emergency room.
“We appreciate the fact that [CHI Franciscan] recognized the community’s growing need for additional hospital beds and responded accordingly by expanding St. Anthony Hospital,” Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Warren Zimmerman said. “We are confident this new expansion will provide much needed relief to the patients and families throughout Gig Harbor and beyond.”
