Healthcare System Overview

An In-Depth Look into the Healthcare System

Facility Type and Ownership:

UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central is a nonprofit, acute care hospital established in 1904. It is the only Level I trauma center in southern Colorado, with 485 licensed beds and a strong emphasis on cardiac care.

Parkview Medical Center is a nonprofit, acute care hospital established in 1923. It is the only Level II trauma center in southern Colorado with 350 licensed beds and is the region’s first certified Stroke Center.

CVICU:

12 private bed unit Cardiothoracic, thoracic, and vascular surgeries
Cardiothoracic surgeries include but not limited to CABG, Single/Double/Triple valve surgery, Root replacement, MitraClip,Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) and Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR).
Thoracic surgeries include but not limited to thoracotomy, esophagectomy, and lobectomy. Vascular surgeries include but not limited to open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, arterial bypasses, transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR), and carotid endarterectomy.
Skilled nurses provide expert care for patients requiring close monitoring with therapeutic practices such as Impella, epicardial & transvenous pacemakers, intra-aortic balloon pumps, vasoactive/inotropic medications, mechanical ventilation, continuous renal replacement, and advanced hemodynamic monitoring.
This unit also has the capability of initiating ECMO with planned transfer to a higher level of care when able. ACLS and Emergency Care of the Cardiovascular patient are required within 6 months of hire and are offered during the residency program.
Nursing assignments are made on a shift-to-shift basis taking into consideration patient acuity and staff.
The staff work 12-hour shifts with holiday/weekend requirements and are offered self-scheduling with a 3-year plan of holidays assigned.

CVT PCU:

CardioVascular & Thoracic PCU specializes in the intermediate care of the adult cardiac/vascular/thoracic patient population. The patient requires monitoring and care of moderate or potentially severe physiologic instability or is stable, with a high potential for becoming unstable, and requires increased intensity of care and vigilance. This includes, but is not limited to, the following patient populations: Congestive Heart Failure, Cardiomyopathy, post angiography (angioplasty, stent), Invasive Radiology, arrhythmias, R/O myocardial infarction (MI), stable acute MI, Unstable Angina, cardioversion, Ablation, s/p pacemaker insertion, 24-hours post open hearts (valve, CABG), vascular intervention, carotids, thoracotomies, transvenous cardiac pacing and post cardiac arrest.
18-bed unit - 1 semi-private - 16 private rooms, 24/7/365
The unit has the capability of monitoring 6 progressive care beds. Expert nurses are responsible for the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of patient outcomes admitted to this unit.
Staff provide multiple levels of care ranging from general to intermediate level. 2S Cardiology = 10-bed unit, all private rooms, 24/7/365
Medical/Surgical patients may be admitted to the CVT PCU if additional beds are needed.

Clinical Service Lines and Specialties:

The hospital offers a wide range of clinical services, including advanced cardiac and thoracic surgery. It has received multiple accolades, including the National Distinction of Excellence HeartCARE Center in 2019.

Strategic Vision and Investments:

The hospital is committed to a $600 million investment in the southern Colorado region over the next five years. This includes enhancing facilities, expanding primary care, and integrating services with regional healthcare providers like Parkview.

Community and Patient Focus:

UCHealth emphasizes providing care close to home, understanding community loyalty, and catering to the needs of patients in the region. The focus is on delivering high-quality outcomes and maintaining a patient-centered approach.