In June 2021, Steward Health Care Melbourne Regional Medical Center (MRMC) opened its doors to a 42,000-square-foot expansion that creates a Spinal & Orthopedic Surgical Center of Excellence in Melbourne, Fla. The project enables MRMC to perform complex procedures in a flexible environment to increase capacity as the community\u2019s needs evolve. The new facility also supports both surgeons and physicians in learning new surgical techniques and technologies.<\/p>\n
The one-story addition is connected to the hospital via an interior corridor and an outdoor covered walkway, which is adjacent to a patio that provides respite for patients, staff, and family members. An exterior screen wall shields the space from Florida\u2019s afternoon sunlight, while a dedicated entrance welcomes visiting surgeons and students.<\/p>\n
The center\u2019s four operating rooms are larger than the hospital\u2019s current ORs and allow for additional equipment. They also feature a seamless floor and modular wall system that eliminates hard-to-reach nooks and crannies for easy cleaning. A modular ceiling system organizes overhead equipment and mitigates the risk of airborne pathogens.<\/p>\n
With an eye on the future, the facility\u2019s shell space will allow four additional ORs to be added as demand increases.<\/p>\n
Nineteen prep and recovery bays are arranged in a racetrack configuration around centralized nurses\u2019 stations, which enhance visibility for care team members. Visiting doctors and students have access to a simulation laboratory for learning new surgical techniques and classrooms with large monitors for observing operations in real-time.<\/p>\n