Portland, Maine (July 11, 2011) — Mercy Health System of Maine, a comprehensive provider of health care services, announces its “all private room” policy, the first in the Greater Portland area to offer 100 percent private rooms. Starting July 11, the private rooms at both Mercy’s Fore River and State Street campuses will allow patients the opportunity to sleep better, heal faster and enjoy increased privacy and satisfaction.
According to Dr. Scott Rusk, Vice President of Medical Administration at Mercy, “We are seeing a trend across the country as more hospitals move to private rooms. The low-stress environment is more conducive to healing and is resulting in shorter stays, according to studies. Cost savings are actually realized through improved efficiencies, more effective communication and through a decrease in the overall rate of infection.”
Mercy Fore River Hospital
The benefits of private rooms have been studied across the country and are well-documented. One of the greatest benefits of a private patient room is that it allows patients to have confidential medical discussions with their medical providers and sensitive personal conversations with their families. Other benefits include a reduction in traffic to the rooms, which allows for fewer interruptions in sleep patterns, reduced chance of medicine errors, improved infection control and even a lower incidence of slips and falls.
“We are proud to be the first hospital in the area to offer patients this opportunity; private rooms create a more positive experience for not only our patients and their families but also for our doctors and staff as well,” said Eileen Skinner, President and CEO of Mercy Health System of Maine. “With all private rooms, we have created an environment for the Mercy community that respects the patient’s right to privacy, allows loved ones to be more present, and promotes a greater sense of well-being. In the end, converting to all private rooms supports our mission of delivering clinically excellent, compassionate care.”
About Mercy Health System of Maine
Mercy Health System of Maine includes Mercy Hospital, Gary’s House, McAuley Residence, Mercy Recovery Center, and VNA Home Health & Hospice. Together, our campuses throughout southern Maine offer a broad range of medical and surgical services, as well as primary and specialty care to provide a continuum of care for our patients. For more information on Mercy, please call (207) 879-3486.
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