The newly renovated surgical wing at Grady Memorial Hospital is open for business and the staff is thrilled about the state-of-the-art improvements.

The $8 million renovations to the second floor of the hospital began 18 months ago, according to Dr. Kenneth Graffeo, a general surgeon at Grady.

Graffeo said the surgery area was last renovated in the 1980s and prior to the recent renovations room size was a challenge both for pre-operation procedures, surgeries and post-operation recovery.

“The rooms were very small,” Graffeo said. “Our equipment took up all the space. [The renovations] alleviate that stress for surgeons and staff.”

Graffeo said the renovations have expanded the family waiting area, which used to just be a row of chairs and is now a large lounge. Graffeo said there are televisions in the waiting areas where family members can see updates from surgeons on what stage a procedure is on.

Graffeo said there are now 16 pre/post-operative rooms rather than a large area with curtains.

One of the biggest improvements is the renovations to the four operating rooms.

“From a surgeon’s standpoint, [the new operating rooms] are state of the art,” Graffeo said. He said the old operating rooms used to be crowded with equipment but the new rooms have all of the equipment mounted to the ceiling and able to swing in any direction without taking up any floor space.

“It’s definitely an upgrade,” Graffeo said. One key improvement is that the new rooms have LED lights and are much brighter than the old rooms, Graffeo said. “It helps us increase the safety.”

Graffeo said while the renovations were ongoing there were many changes and some stress building among staff members but since the renovations have been completed, everything has changed.

“It’s amazing how relaxed everyone is now,” Graffeo said. “There’s nothing to be embarrassed about here; it really ups our reputation.”

Graffeo said the renovations have put Grady on par with many central Ohio surgery centers.

Steve Bunyard, president of Grady Memorial Hospital, is also satisfied with the changes.

“We are incredibly proud of our newly renovated surgery department,” Bunyard said. “OhioHealth has made a significant investment in the space and it will allow us to provide the best patient experience possible and the highest quality of care, while also providing a first-class place for our physicians and associates to work and practice. We could not be more pleased with the end result.”

Any questions about Grady’s surgical services can be directed to Surgical Services Leadership at 740-615-1055.

The recently renovated surgery area was update to bring a modern feel to the wing. However, hospital officials said it was also important to make the area feel rural and comfortable.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2016/09/web1_DSC_0808-1.jpgThe recently renovated surgery area was update to bring a modern feel to the wing. However, hospital officials said it was also important to make the area feel rural and comfortable.

The new operating rooms each contain more than 600 square feet and have mounted much of the equipment like lights or monitors to the ceiling so the surgeons and staff more room to work and maneuver.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2016/09/web1_DSC_0811-1.jpgThe new operating rooms each contain more than 600 square feet and have mounted much of the equipment like lights or monitors to the ceiling so the surgeons and staff more room to work and maneuver.