Valley Hospital Moves Medical Unit

Medical patients, including cancer patients, will soon be treated in a more modern unit at Valley Hospital and Medical Center.

The hospital will move its medical unit, which includes oncology, to the third floor, where the surgical and orthopedic units are.

The medical and oncology unit is now housed in an area of the hospital built 25 years ago, said spokeswoman Priscilla Gilkey.

The move will save money, she said, since updating that space would take major remodeling.

Mike Liepman, the hospital’s chief operating officer, said that the new location will provide patients a more convenient and comfortable environment. Meanwhile, nurses will gain training by being able to work in the three areas.

Staff will be cross-trained for fluctuations in volume, Liepman said. “We’ve done this in outpatient services and it’s proven to be very efficient.”

Swing beds between the three units on the third floor will offer the flexibility to add beds to each unit if the need occurs.

Two task forces are meeting to plan for the move in June.

The hospital has not yet determined how the space vacated by the department will be used.