Hutchinson, Kan. - The Birthing Center at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center will undergo extensive remodeling thanks to $121,000 in contributions from the Hutchinson Regional Medical Center Auxiliary.
The hospital’s auxiliary, a 350-member organization made up of area volunteers, donate their time in the intensive care unit, gift shop, information desk, physical therapy, mail and flower delivery, same day surgery, and library cart. In turn, the auxiliary administers and allocates profits from the gift shop and hospital’s beauty shop.
Lynette Davis, RN, Director for the hospital’s Birthing Center and Pediatrics, said the remodeling includes new wall covering, shelving, cabinets, furniture, replacement of tile floors, tables, chairs, sleeper sofas, and counter tops and a redo of bathrooms. Also, a portion of the funds will be used to purchase 14 new bassinets (baby cribs) for the Birthing Center.
“We feel these innovations will take the Birthing Center to the next level of patient care for the new moms, babies and family members,” Davis said.
“The Birthing Center is where happy things happen at the hospital,” Davis continued. “It is our goal to provide a comfortable and relaxing birthing experience for the new mothers and their families.”
Lois Schlickau, President of the Hutchinson Regional Medical Center Auxiliary, said the organization is committed to projects that improve the quality of care at the hospital.
“The birth of a child is a miracle of God and we want to welcome the newborns to the world in a special way for both the mothers and the babies,” Schlickau said. “The time for updates to the birthing center had come and the Auxiliary is proud to be a part of the improvements.”
Dr. George Cullan, MD, Chief of Obstetrics at the Hutchinson Clinic lauded the efforts of the Auxiliary.
“It is extremely good that we have such a wonderful auxiliary board of directors at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center that undertake projects to support our families that are served at the hospital,” Dr. Cullan said.
Kevin Miller, President and CEO of Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, said the auxiliary has made a wise choice in allocating funds for updates to the Birthing Center.
"About 700 new babies enter the world each year at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center'" Miller said. "The innovations at the Center will greatly enhance the quality of patient care."