U. Hospital renewed

CEO, a recent patient, eager to show changes

Published: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 10:52 p.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 

Though David Entwistle's most recent experience at University Hospital was as a patient in his own facility, the hospital chief executive returned to work for the first time in weeks Tuesday to show off the newly expanded facility.

While his own recent transport to the hospital was via medical helicopter after a biking accident on May 23, Entwistle hopes to reduce stress by eliminating what many non-emergency patients saw as the worst part of their visit — circling the packed parking lot while praying for an open space.

An expanded valet parking service is one of several new features that will be touted later this month during a public open house to crown the hospital's $130 million expansion. Those who haven't been inside the facility for some time will likely appreciate the expansive new lobby, additional private patient rooms and the addition of 250 parking spaces.

Poised to see fellow employees for the first time in more than a month, Entwistle told the Deseret News on Tuesday that he's been recuperating at home for a little more than two weeks, after two weeks in the hospital following a biking accident during a triathlon in Tooele County.

He sustained a serious head injury, despite the fact that he was wearing a bike helmet.

Story continues below

"It didn't physically hurt my head," Entwistle said, "but as your brain gets bounced around within your head, there's swelling and potential bruising that occurs, and that's what happened. Fortunately, in my case, it was a very recoverable incident."

After becoming an unexpected patient in his own hospital, "it was interesting to be the CEO on the other side of your organization and see how it works. I'm excited to get back full time and hopefully I can do that within the next couple of weeks," he said.

Entwistle played host for the first of several small group "opening events" scheduled over the next two weeks for various VIPs, health-care officials and others before the official ribbon-cutting and open house on July 16.

While he believes visitors will be impressed with the changes, Entwistle said he hopes future patients will be better welcomed and served in the regional medical center, particularly the large percentage that come from surrounding states and rural areas.

"To some, it's the big city," he said. "We've tried to really create an easy way for them to navigate into our system. Trying to find parking and get in has been one of the most stressful things they do trying to access care. If we can help them get in more easily, it reduces their stress and makes it a better front-end process."

Entwistle has helped institute valet parking at other hospitals in the past, he said, and often patients are hesitant to use it at first.

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

Image

University Hospital personnel Chantelle Turner, left, and Jacki Shill stand in the new lobby Tuesday as construction workers carry supplies for the expansion project.

previousnext

Latest comments

The article mentioned that Albion Middle is currently in the Canyons...

Thoughts and prayers to the grieving family, especially his wife and...

Family thanks effort after cave deat

John also expressed gratitude. A fellow spelunker stayed the first hour...

I was so sorry to hear that John didn't make it through the night. My...

Edwards to receive NCFAA award

Lavell Edwards had a major impact on how the game of football is played...

Girls basketball rankings

I agree that Syracuse is going to be an incredible team this year. There is...

Dining out: Scaddy's

Mmmmm....Love me some Scaddy's. Best 'burger place' in SLC. (Yes, they...

Economy showing signs of life

obama you saved the day. now hurry and pass healthcare, cap and trade,...

So sad and tragic.. My heart breaks for this young man, and my thoughts and...

Our prayers are with the family what a sad thing to happen for them. Last I...

Advertisements