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R ECO G N IZED E XC EL L EN C E University Health System has received accolades for its commitment to bring- ing the highest standards of care to South Texas. • U.S. News & World Report named University Hospital one of its "Best Hospitals" for 2013, and nationally ranked its nephrology and urology departments — elevating the programs among the top 3 percent in the United States. • Hospitals & Health Networks recog- nized University Health System as one of its "Most Wired" facilities of 2013. • University Health System is recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Magnet Hospital, acknowl- edging its dedication to incorporating physicians, physician extenders, nurses and ancillary care providers into comprehen- sive, multidisciplinary care. To address patient satisfaction and improved standards of care, University Hospital designed its new patient rooms for single occupancy, which enhances patient satisfaction and helps prevent unnecessary health complications. "Single-bed patient rooms are valued not only because patients prefer them, but they also minimize unnecessary infection transmission that older facilities, which might assign multiple patients to one room, face," Dr. Alsip says. "This design also minimizes environmental stressors, such as noise, that can be a nuisance and extend patients' stays. We've also addressed issues such as improving our ventilation and filtration systems to reduce the incidence of infection." When designing the Sky Tower's inpa- tient units, the board carefully arranged patient rooms around nurses' stations, opti- mizing visualization for rapid emergency response. Bedside computers streamline data documentation to electronic health records (EHR), a llowing for better patient management among University Health System's network of more than 20 ambulatory facilities. "No matter where patients enter the sys- tem, seamless EHR between our ambulatory facilities and inpatient units synchronizes all points on the continuum of care," Brierty explains. "This allows effective and efficient communication between providers and eliminates extraneous workups." A Tranquil Environment As building plans synthesized and construction began, administrators identified a seemingly small area for improvement that could greatly enhance the inpatient experience. When patients enter the Sky Tower, they are greeted by soothing colors and rich, textured materials that adorn the walls and create an environment designed to encourage the healing process. As they move through the facility, patients can take a break and admire thousands of photographs, sculptures and paintings procured from local and national artists by the hospital's Salud-Arte: Art of Healing program. Patients might also wish to relax in one of the Sky Tower's green spaces, which feature prominently in the facility's design. "Even though we're adding 1 million square feet to an urban structure, we're increasing the green space by approxi- mately 30 percent over all of our existing facilities," Dr. Alsip explains. "To encour- age an environment conducive to healing, these spaces include rooftop gardens and beautiful natural areas where patients and their families — who often act as caregivers and are very much part of patient care — as well as our staff can leave the hospital environment for a while." To help patients navigate the space between their rooms and the green spaces, University Health System offers a new wayfinding application, available for smart- phones or tablets, to guide them around the campus. The application complements intelligent wayfinding technology located throughout University Hospital. A Pediatrics Solution To address the need for children's ser vices in San Antonio, University Health System has opened an outpatient pediatrics specialty complex, housing 10 specialties, on the 6th floor of the Robert B. Green campus. Pediatric inpatient care previously provided by physicians at the University of Texas Health Science Center at another facility has moved to University Hospital. Towering Above As the Capital Improvement Project draws to a close, the philosophy of patient- centered care that informed University Health System's forefathers nearly a cen- tury ago remains its preeminent charge. University Hospital offers the influx of newly insured patients in south Texas a better medical experience. "As patients become more aware of their healthcare options, we have to provide the highest standards of care and meet or exceed their expectations," Brierty notes. "The timing of our building initiative is perfect because we've positioned ourselves to provide a high-quality product today and enhance equipment and facilities in the future." For more information about the Capital Improvement Project and University Health System's comprehensive care offerings, please visit universityhealthsystem.com. ■ Walkway to one of three rooftop gardens in University Hospital's new Sky Tower Another view of the new Sky Tower at University Hospital, opening to patients April 14 8 | San Antonio MD NEWS ■ M D N E W S . CO M