Willimantic, Conn.-based Windham Hospital, part of Hartford (Conn.) HealthCare, has received state approval that paves the way for the hospital to transform its critical care unit into a progressive care unit, according to a report from The Bulletin.
Here are four things to know about the hospital's plans.
1. The proposal involves repurposing the current 12-bed area designated for critical care into a progressive care unit, which is often used to bridge the gap between intensive care units and medical-surgical units. The unit "averages approximately two patients requiring critical care per day," according to the report, which cites information from Hartford HealthCare.
2. In the report, David Whitehead, East region president for Hartford HealthCare, called the plans "a step forward for our cornerstone services concept, which was designed to keep Windham Hospital's doors open for the community we are privileged to serve." Hartford HealthCare officials also contend that the transformation will result in a better use of staff and space, and that the same level of clinical services currently offered would still be available to patients who require it.
3. The hospital's plans face some opposition from union members. "We have a number of questions and concerns that demand answers and we're reviewing options with our community partners," John Brady, RN and AFT Connecticut union executive vice president. "As a 21-year veteran of the emergency room at [Norwich, Conn.-based] Backus Hospital, I know that a progressive care unit is not the same as an intensive or critical care unit. Regardless of next steps, our member caregivers and local partners share the same priorities; ensuring our community hospitals are responsive to their patients and provide access to all, not just those who can pay for profitable services."
4. The move is part of a larger plan Hartford HealthCare unveiled in June for the hospital, which has struggled financially, The Bulletin notes. The plan also includes the loss of the equivalent of 119 full-time jobs, about 35 percent of the 335 jobs Hartford Healthcare announced in June it would be eliminating throughout its system.
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