Research has consistently shown that outcomes for those with neurological and neurosurgical conditions are significantly improved when admitted to a specialized Neuro ICU compared to a general intensive care unit.
Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes in Camden is addressing this need.
Early this week, the hospital opened a specialized “Neuro ICU” is equipped with the latest medical advancements and technology to care for critically ill patients with a wide range of neurological and neurosurgical conditions.
Featuring 18 single-occupancy rooms, the unit ensures patients receive round-the-clock attention and personalized interventions from specially trained clinicians, nurses and support staff.
The unit’s patients will include those with ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, subarachnoid hemorrhages, cerebral aneurysms, brain tumors, central nervous system infections, neuromuscular disorders, and seizures. The unit will also care for patients recovering from advanced spine surgery.
The hospital, celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, is Virtua Health’s hub for advanced care, including neurosurgical services provided by the Penn Medicine/Virtua Health Neurosciences program.
According to Dr. Shea Ehntholt, the medical director of the Neuro ICU, the area underscores Virtua’s commitment to enhancing tertiary services and providing advanced, life-saving care to the people of southern New Jersey.
“By establishing a dedicated space and fostering teamwork across neurology, neurosurgery, critical care, emergency medicine, radiology, pharmacy, nursing, rehabilitation, and all hospital services, we are building a coordinated system of care that will elevate the patient experience and clinical outcomes,” he said. “We are passionate about this work and eager to elevate and refine our collective capabilities.”
The creation of the Neuro ICU is part of Virtua Health’s $500 million, multi-year investment in Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. In addition to renovating and establishing new spaces within the existing hospital building, the not-for-profit health system recently announced plans for the forthcoming six-story Marvin Samson Pavilion, which will house 78 patient rooms, as well as operating rooms and other advanced features.
The Neuro ICU follows best practices established by the American Heart Association, Neurocritical Care Society, American Academy of Neurology, and the American Academy of Neurological Surgery. The unit offers:
Advanced technology: The unit provides neuromonitoring with continuous electroencephalogram and intracranial pressure monitoring devices. Patient rooms also accommodate portable CT scanners to obtain complete imaging of the head.
Specialized patient rooms: Each room is equipped to support bedside procedures, which helps to minimize disruption and movement for critically ill patients. One common bedside procedure is the placement and management of an external ventricular drain, which requires more space than a standard hospital room can provide.
Enhanced workflows: The telemetry monitoring system provides the care team with single-screen, high-level data for all patients on the unit, helping them best identify and triage patient needs. Strategically placed workstations on wheels also ensure efficient and timely care.
Dedicated spaces: The centralized nurse station allows for enhanced communication among Virtua colleagues and patient monitoring through large, HIPAA-compliant monitors. Other notable areas of the Neuro ICU include a nutrition station, utility room (for supplies and linens), and a private room for patient families to gather and meet with staff.
Virtua Health is an academic health system committed to helping the people of South Jersey be well, get well, and stay well by providing the complete spectrum of advanced, accessible, and trusted health care services. Virtua’s 154,000 colleagues provide tertiary care, including renowned cardiology and transplant programs, complemented by a community-based care portfolio.
In addition to five hospitals, two satellite emergency departments, 42 ambulatory surgery centers, and more than 400 other locations, Virtua brings health services directly into communities through Hospital at Home, physical therapy and rehabilitation, mobile screenings, and its paramedic program.
Senior VP of Virtua Health and Camden hospital president Lisa Ferraro said the impact of the facility will huge.
“This is a hugely exciting time for our hospital community,” she said. “We are part of the most notable transformation in our long history, and we are making great strides every day.”
