hospital was named for UH benefactor Monte and Usha Ahuja and their family, and it was a significant part of University Hospitals $1 billion expansion. Today, in the same year that University Hospitals celebrates its 150th anniversary, its newest outpost has become a key landmark along Richmond and Harvard roads, and Interstate 271. Its patients and visitors benefit from such ‘soft’ amenities as a quarter-mile lighted walking trail that winds through the grounds, a pond, and a labyrinth for walking meditation and a glimpse of peace during what might be a very stressful time. Inside, the first floor lobby also features a meditation room. Many of the features incorporated at UH Ahuja Medical Center were, and are, innovative because when the medical center was in the planning stages, UH reached out to employees and residents. Their ideas were incorporated along with those of the hospital’s designers. Ground-absorbing materials throughout the hospital reduce noise; patient’s bathrooms are placed near the beds to reduce falls; in patient rooms, a sink area allows caregivers to clean their hands and prepare medication. Comfortable sofas turn into sleeping couches if a family member wants to stay overnight. “A safe and positive patient experience, and the provision of the highest-quality care, is always our priority,” says Juris. The hospital nursing staff has adopted two powerful best practices to assure positive outcomes for patients. Hourly nursing rounds ensure that patients’ needs are regularly addressed and the bedside nursing change-of-shift report allows patients and families to be cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) system that is used by emergency medical services teams to more effectively stabilize heart attack victims in the field. This initiative has become systemwide, helping many more communities in crisis. UH Ahuja Medical Center’s objective has just as strong a focus on educating people about health. These efforts range from the Beachwood Medical Academy, which is the first academic program that provides exposure to advanced health care career options for high school students, to the New Leaf program at Warrensville Heights Middle School, which included installing a salad bar in the cafeteria and supplying fresh fruits and vegetables to students at no charge. For adults, there have been numerous city-centered health challenges held so residents could learn how to address their personal health challenges. Annual health fairs provided more education, and free screenings in such areas as heart health, diabetes and skin cancer. UH Ahuja Medical Center also created a Wednesday Night Wellness health education series for the community that was so successful that it evolved into a systemwide UH series called Health Matters. When UH Ahuja Medical Center opened, it was big news – it was the first ‘built from the ground up’ hospital in Cuyahoga County in 30 years. The updated on the plan of care and to have their questions answered. Both practices optimize safety at UH Ahuja Medical Center. Juris and her team listen to the voice of their patients. The hospital’s emergency room has become one of the busiest in the region. Many people who come with less acute problems often were seen after the more acute, life-threatening emergency cases were treated. To make it easier to access UH Ahuja Medical Center’s emergent care, the leaders created a “Fast Track” triage and treatment area just for this population who are in and out in under two hours. The hospital also opened a pediatric inpatient unit on the request of many families in the area who have children with health issues that can be managed closer to home. This complements the UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s emergency department, the Marcy R. Horvitz Pediatric Emergency Center, which includes six rooms that are pediatric-friendly, with a waiting area with smaller furniture and a serenity fountain to calm children. As Juris says, “UH Ahuja Medical Center has become an asset to our communities. We will remain vigilant to ensure safe, effective and personalized care is delivered to all of our patients and their families.” © 2016 University Hospitals AHU 00833 March 2016 n Beachwood Buzz 41