Research has shown that private rooms increase patient safety and comfort
as well as reduce the risk of infection and decreased length of stay.
For that reason, and for the first time in its history, Southeast Georgia
Health System now offers all private patient rooms on its Brunswick Campus.
“We’re focused on providing a healing and relaxed environment,
with comfort and safety top-of-mind for an ideal patient experience,”
says Elizabeth J. Gunn, RN, MSN, vice president, Patient Care Services
at the Health System. “Private rooms make it much easier for patients
to have a confidential conversation with their physician, have privacy
during treatments, and get a restful sleep since there’s no roommate
who may be awake and getting up or making noise through the night. Family
members and visitors will appreciate the comfortable accommodations, such
as sleeper-sofas, and extra space.”
Gunn added that the conversion from semi-private to private rooms was made
possible with the opening of the Orthopaedic & Spine Center and the
renovation of existing rooms. However, if a sudden demand for patient
beds arises as a result of a pandemic or natural emergency, such as a
hurricane, patient rooms can easily be modified to semi-private rooms.
“Our community can count on us to be prepared to handle an increased
patient need if the demand occurs,” says Gunn. “But, aside
from a medical emergency taking place, our patients will have a private
room during their stay with us.”
In March 2009, the Health System completed an expansion and major renovation
of its Camden Campus hospital, updating and modernizing the facility to
bring patients a new level of comfort and medical care with private patient rooms.