Torrance Memorial’s North Wing is beginning transformations that
are expected to take several years to complete. In addition to updated
technologies, there will be new Pediatric and Neo-Natal Intensive Care
(NICU) Units. Although the 2nd, 4th and 5th floors of the North Wing has been vacant since the 2014 move to the Lundquist
tower, upon completion of the remodel the first floor will remain the
Transitional Care Unit (TCU), and the second floor will become the postpartum
Mother Baby Unit.
Major renovations for the NICU are set to begin in the second quarter of
2016. No longer will a curtain separate a baby from his or her neighbors.
Rather the NICU will feature 23 private rooms, as well as a few additional
larger rooms for the treatment of complex-care infants. Glass partitions
will separate the rooms, which allow nurses to better supervise the babies,
instead of relying on just monitors alone. In addition, the floor will
house brand new family sleep rooms, a visitor waiting room, and a multi-purpose
room where physicians can meet with patients’ families.
A whimsical color scheme, 26 private rooms, including two isolation rooms,
a separate space to accommodate the Torrance Loves Children (TLC) Program,
and a large playroom will make up the transformations for the new Pediatric
Unit on the fourth floor. The fifth floor will become a Medical Surgical
Unit with 32 private patient rooms that are updated with equipment and
furnishings for adult medical patients.
In addition to the interior changes, the exterior of the North Wing will
be remodeled to more closely resemble the Lundquist Tower. The entire
exterior will be painted and a new window system will replace the windows
on all floors. The remodel plans also include a refurbishing of Jared’s
Kitchen which is located in the Central Tower, allowing for Food Services
to offer more menu selections in Helena’s and The Yang Café.
Technology will be upgraded throughout the patient rooms in the North Wing.
This includes Interactive Patient Television monitors to advance the patient
experience. These 40-inch wall-mounted monitors will include a “Welcome”
video and access to conveniences such as pet visitation or room cleaning.
Patients can also choose from 60 television channels, stream video on-demand,
play games, listen to music, and access the internet with a provided keyboard.
These transformations aim to enhance patient care and patients’ experiences
during his or her stay at Torrance Memorial. The new unit locations and
the updated technology will completely revamp the North Wing.