Clair Springman spent a few days at Muncy Valley Hospital in a brand new room as he recuperated from knee replacement surgery. Standing with him are his niece, RN Sharon Adams, Manager of Patient Care and his sister, Sylvia Anthony.

MUNCY – Finishing touches and all the patients’ rooms have had a complete makeover at Muncy Valley Hospital. On Sunday afternoon, an open house with a special ceremony was dedicated to board members and the public before viewing the new patient suites.

Christine Ballard, President and CEO of Muncy Valley Hospital gave a welcoming speech and thanked everyone for their community support. Sixteen new rooms have been renovated offering much more privacy. “These rooms are beautiful, modern state of the art rooms that make patients feel comfortable here,” explained Dr. Steven Yordy, Vice-President of Muncy Valley Hospital’s medical staff. Prior to the makeover, there were only two private rooms.

Nursing stations are closer to the rooms with added computerized sub-stations giving better access care to patients.

Sister Joann Bednar was recognized for her dedication as a staff member at MVH and the foundation noting that Sunday was her last day at the Muncy location with Susquehanna Health. She will continue with her funding aspects at Divine Providence campus.

A blessing was given by Father Fidelis Ekemgba and afterwards he went around to each room and gave his blessing during guided tours and free screenings. A full crowd enjoyed a dessert reception and met local artists who had their works on display through a working project with Susquehanna Health.

Clair Springman, a patient from Montoursville, expressed his enjoyment as he stayed in one of the new suites while recuperating from knee replacement surgery. His niece, Sharon Adams, RN and Manager of Patient Care at the hospital, said that he will be here for a few days for physical therapy, and she was pleased to check on him regularly. “I’ve had real good care here and you’ve got good people working here,” Springman told his niece. The new rooms are designed to accommodate swing bed patients like Springman according to Dr. Yordy. “The rooms have an isolated type of environment that works well for patients who need rehabilitation,” he added. A new physical therapy unit is expected to be completed for 2012 and is part of a seventeen year planning expansion project according to Steve Johnson, President and CEO of Susquehanna Health.

Charles Thiemann from Alexander Building Construction in Harrisburg and project manager for the makeover said that his biggest challenge was keeping some of the rooms functioning during the construction phases, and still being able to maintain the standard quality of patient care.

One of the main highlights of the afternoon was the artwork displayed on the walls in the hospital. Local artist, Roger Shipley began working with a committee of local artists and administrators of Susquehanna Health to add artwork from local artisans in the budgets during construction phases. “This is being done in several hospitals from larger metropolitan markets such as Philadelphia,” said Shipley. Known nationally as ‘ One Percent For The Arts’ Shipley is acting advisor to see that local regional artwork is placed in patients’ rooms. Looking at selective, creative art is much more therapeutic for healing than blank walls according to Shipley who has been working with consultants from Philadelphia medical centers. The project started with the Cancer Center at Divine Providence Hospital. “These commissioned art pieces really enhance the rooms here at Muncy Hospital,” added Shipley.

Free health screenings were given throughout the event for bone density, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and equilibrium and balance to prevent unwanted falls.

Paul Heise, board chair was pleased to announce that the project was finished in plenty of time as he thanked all those who made the endeavor possible. “The fiscal well-being of all who were involved for staying within budget and finishing the construction on time, plus giving our patients the best possible care for the area need to be commended.”