For more than 30 years, critically ill and injured patients have received life-saving care in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital. These patients and their families are faced with an intense, emotionally charged, sometimes touch-and-go experience — so profound that for however long it lasts, it becomes the focus of their lives.

Each year, the number of patients seeking medical attention at Henry Mayo increases. Many of these patients are severely ill or injured and are subsequently admitted to the ICU, either directly from the trauma center/emergency room, or from the operating room following surgery.

As Santa Clarita Valley's only local hospital, Henry Mayo is committed to caring for our most seriously ill and injured patients. The current ICU has served the community well, but physical space and privacy issues, room and nursing station layout restrictions, and the increasing need for more beds to meet our community's healthcare needs make it necessary to replace the existing ICU with a new, expanded unit.

So now, in keeping with our vision to create the ideal healthcare environment, we have begun construction on a new, modern 18-bed ICU. The $9 million project includes 9660 square feet of new space as well as enhanced technology and a comfortable visitor's lounge for patients' families and friends.

Each change has been carefully thought out with key hospital personnel and construction experts working together to design the new ICU. When complete, the unit will offer more space, privacy and comfort to patients and families. It will allow greater efficiencies for physicians and staff with upgraded technology; and, with increased beds, it will allow us to treat critically ill patients more effectively.

Here are the highlights:
The fully equipped ICU will provide an esthetically appealing environment for patients and will feature numerous upgrades, including new beds with computer monitors and built-in software that notifies nurses about safety issues.

Specialized rooms with negative airflow for patients with communicable airborne diseases, such as tuberculosis, will give doctors and nurses better ability to control infections.

Many of the patient rooms will include a large window to bring in natural light.

Because many patients in the ICU require intricate variations of critical life-saving equipment, larger rooms will make it easier for nurses to easily access medical equipment around the patient.

With increased space, families can gather in the patient's room to offer encouragement and support.

The visitor's waiting area will have Internet access, couches and chairs, as well as other amenities to help the families during time spent at the hospital. A private consultation room will allow physicians to speak with patient's families.

Individual nurse workstations will position the nurse closer to the patient, thereby improving visibility and monitoring of patients. Each workstation will be equipped with the latest technology to ensure the highest level of quality care.

Patient care is our priority and with the new ICU, we can continue to provide quality healthcare for our community.

The estimated cost of the ICU expansion is $9 million. Funding for the project will come from Henry Mayo's current operations and philanthropy. We need our community's help to raise $3 million of the $9 million costs for construction and enhanced technology.

Your gifts help make a difference in the lives of those we serve. Especially during trying economic times, we are most dependent upon individuals who recognize healthcare as a priority and understand the need for Intensive Care, emergency or trauma services, and other hospital services in their community.

Help us build today for a healthier tomorrow and stand by us with important support. For more information, please contact Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Health Foundation by calling 661-200-1200.

To contribute today, click here.