Methodist University Hospital Opens Neuroscience Institute Expansion
Memphis, Tenn. – Methodist University Hospital held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, September 9 for the newly expanded Neuroscience Institute in the hospital’s Shorb Tower.
The $2.8 million renovation includes a $1.1 million grant from the Tennessee Department of Health, specifically earmarked for investments in facilities for continued response to health crises. The expansion includes 47 rooms for neurology and neurosurgery patients, including six which can be capable of long-term monitoring of epilepsy patients.
“This expansion means our neurology and neurosurgery patients at Methodist University Hospital will have access to around-the-clock care in one place, reducing the amount of time they are moving throughout the hospital for testing, and allowing for the highest quality care in a safe, secure environment,” said Monica Wharton, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer with Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare. “We are excited for the future of neuroscience care in our region and the opportunity to be in the forefront of those advancements.”
The Neuroscience Institute is nationally recognized in stroke care by the American Heart Association, and in Neurology and Neurosurgery from U.S. News and World Report. The Institute also provides evaluation, diagnoses and treatments in seizures, brain tumors, Parkinson’s Disease, stroke, and a variety of other neurologic conditions.
The expanded unit features 15 medical/surgical beds, 12 stepdown beds, 16 intensive care unit beds, six rooms for epilepsy monitoring and an additional four beds which can be used to address any additional needs for patients. The unit incorporates space for testing and work spaces for providers and clinical teams, consultation rooms for families, space for teaching and training residents and fellows, and an on-call space for providers to ensure immediate access to patients and families.
“This is a crucial development for our neurology and neurosurgery patients and their families to be able to stay close to their care teams, and for continuing to develop and train the next generation of neurologists and neurosurgeons in the region through our partnership with University of Tennessee Health Science Center and the Semmes Murphey Clinic,” said Dr. Lucas Elijovich, Medical Director of Neurocritical Intensive Care. “The Neuroscience Institute offers the only neurocritical care academic program in Tennessee and is particularly unique to the Memphis area.”
Patients will begin to move into the new space later in September from other areas of Methodist University Hospital.
About Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare
Based in Memphis, Tennessee, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare has been caring for patients and families regardless of their ability to pay for more than 100 years. Guided by roots in the United Methodist Church and founded in 1918 to help meet the growing need for quality healthcare in the greater Memphis area, MLH has grown from one hospital into a comprehensive healthcare system with 12,000 Associates supporting six hospitals, including nationally ranked Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, ambulatory surgery centers, outpatient facilities, a hospice residence and physician and specialty practices serving communities across the Mid-South. From transplants and advanced heart procedures to expert neurology services and compassionate cancer care, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare offers clinical expertise with a focus on improving every life we touch.
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