WORCESTER—UMass Memorial Health officially opened its North Pavilion acute-care facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 6.
The event marked a milestone in the healthcare system’s efforts to address Central Massachusetts’ hospital bed shortage while providing advanced, patient-centered care.
The celebration included speeches from UMass Memorial President and CEO Dr. Eric Dickson, leadership staff, and local legislators. Attendees were also treated to a tour of the facility, which will admit its first patients later this month.
The North Pavilion, located at 378 Plantation St. in Worcester, is a 72-bed inpatient medical-surgical facility designed to improve access to acute care. It does not include an emergency room or intensive care unit but offers outpatient CT scans and ultrasounds, as well as 24/7 code teams. Ambulances are available to transport patients for emergency procedures if needed.
The facility emphasizes patient comfort and family engagement. Each patient room features cutting-edge technology, including:
- Voice-activated patient beds that control lighting, entertainment, and shades.
- Digital whiteboards displaying real-time information about care teams, lab schedules, and estimated discharge dates.
- Flat-screen TVs with proprietary software allowing patients to access medical charts, dietary plans, and educational materials.
The North Pavilion also boasts a healing garden designed to promote wellness and serenity. Inside, 240 pieces of artwork from 130 local and regional artists adorn the walls, including works by Worcester artist Pam Redick.
Hospital spokespeople emphasized that the new facility not only addresses a critical need but also incorporates modern amenities to ensure the best possible experience for patients and their families.
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