Avera McKennan To Open New Luxury Women's Unit

SIOUX FALLS (Sept. 4, 2008) - Because having a baby is one of the most important times in life, the Avera McKennan Women's Center has designed a new addition to make that experience the best it can be.

The addition to Avera McKennan Women's Center, opening this fall, includes 24 spacious suites for recovery time after delivery, or after gynecologic surgery. Suites feature oversized beds, flat-screen televisions, whirlpool bathtubs, and plenty of seating and sleeping accommodations for the whole family. "It's a family-friendly design that allows space for that important time of bonding with the newest family member," said Lori Popkes, assistant vice president for Women and Children's Services at Avera McKennan.

Newborns may "room-in" with mom, or be cared for by nursing staff in a state-of-the-art nursery, which includes features such as baby-wash sinks for improved safety. The entire unit is fully locked with one secure entrance.

In cooperation with Spa 2000 and the Avera McKennan Fitness Center, spa services including massage, manicure, pedicure, facials, or haircut and style are available to new moms and patients recovering from gynecological surgery. The spa area features hot stones, private massage rooms and stations for manicures, pedicures and hair styling. One spa service is provided, with additional services available for purchase on a fee basis.

A new "Dad's Den" is a comfortable retreat, with oversized furniture, a big-screen television and computer/wireless Internet access. An adjacent children's play area provides older siblings with a special place of their own, and gives moms the space they need to relax and recover. A full-service café offers a buffet line. Or, families may opt for in-room meal service.

The unit was constructed using LEAN principles to maximize efficiency from supply cupboards to room layouts for fast, effective, patient-centered care.

"Avera McKennan's Women's Center is already known and trusted for the compassionate, high-quality care we deliver. Patients frequently comment on the wonderful, personalized care they receive here. This is just one more way we can make the experience of childbirth memorable and special," Popkes said.

The amenities in the unit are backed up by a team of specialists in the care of women and infants. OB physicians serve as laborists on site 24/7 to provide continuous support throughout labor and delivery. In the case of medical complications, perinatologists and neonatologists are at hand, with access to Avera McKennan's Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The Avera Breastfeeding Center offers education and support to new moms, with lactation consultants available seven days a week.

For more information, visit www.AveraWomens.org. A community open house is planned for Saturday, Sept. 6, from 1-4 p.m. Free tours of the Women's Center are also available to prospective parents by calling 1-877-AT-AVERA.