New Unit Opens at CRMH

A new nursing unit has opened at 6 South in CRMH, helping to fill the growing need for more beds.

The space, which opened to patients on May 20, adds nearly 40 new beds. The unit serves as an operative support area, with most of the beds slated for pre-and post-procedure patients. Some of the larger rooms will also allow patients to undergo minor procedures. Additionally, the unit has some curtain bays with recliners and a new conference room. The space will eventually connect to the new Crystal Spring Tower.

This unit space was previously used for storage. It is expected to be staffed with more than 50 people in various capacities.

While some construction was paused during the pandemic, this project continued because of its immediate benefits to house patients and its long-term cost savings advantages.

The opening allows for more bed space in other areas of the hospital—a crucial need right now, especially since some units have been dedicated entirely to COVID-19 patients.

“We were in need of more beds even before COVID-19 arrived,” said Mike Abbott, senior vice president of hospital operations at CMC. “This space will not only help us in the rare event of a COVID-19 patient surge, but it will also be essential when the pandemic ends and the new tower is constructed. It is truly more beneficial than we anticipated when we planned for it, which is great.”

An open house is not possible at this time, but the photos above show the new unit.

For more information, contact Mike Abbott, senior vice president of hospital operations at CMC, at mgabbott@carilionclinic.org.