Executives and staff from Parkway Regional Medical Center (PRMC) and VITAS Innovative Hospice Care® of Miami-Dade recently celebrated the opening of the new VITAS Inpatient Hospice Unit at PRMC with a reception and tours of the homelike facility.
Parkway Regional Medical Center recently celebrated the opening of the new VITAS Inpatient Hospice Unit at the hospital. Peggy Pettit, EVP and COO of VITAS Innovative Hospice Care® of Miami-Dade, John Walker, CEO of Parkway Regional Medical Center, Tim OToole, CEO Chairman of the Board of VITAS, Brian Payne, General Manager of VITAS, North Miami Beach Mayor Jeffrey Mishcon and Ian Viente, VP of Hospice Operations of VITAS all cut the ribbon to open the facility together.
The 13-bed hospice unit is designed to serve terminally ill patients who are no longer benefiting from curative care and whose care cannot be adequately managed at home. The décor incorporates soothing colors and home-like furnishings to provide a non-institutional environment for patients and their loved ones. It is designed to encourage patients family and friends to visit around the clock, with kitchen and designated family areas providing a comfortable place for discussions or a brief rest.
“Dealing with end-of-life issues is difficult for both the patient and his or her family,” said John E. Walker, Interim CEO of Parkway Regional Medical Center Medical Center. “Through the collaborative efforts of VITAS and our hospital were able to provide specialized care designed to improve the quality of a patients last days by offering comfort, support and dignity.”
