Community of Care
Building A Healthier Tomorrow
WILLIAMSON MEDICAL'S REVOLUTIONARY
$200 MILLION EXPANSION
NEW CARDIAC CATHETERIZATION LAB
As the first of many upgrades, Williamson Medical Center finished renovations earlier this year on a new catheterization laboratory, equipped with state-of-the-art imaging technology. The new lab enhances physicians’ ability to perform more complex cardiology procedures with equipment capable of delivering real-time, high-quality imaging of the heart and blood flow.
“The new cath lab allows us to increase the complexity of the procedures that we are able to perform here as we treat patients closer to home,” said Brian Long, M.D., Chief of Cardiology at Williamson Health.
Additionally, the cath lab is equipped to run diagnostic tests for coronary artery disease and treat patients for congestive heart failure or irregular heartbeats.
“The machines that we have now are capable
of delivering high-quality imaging with lower
dose radiation which is a huge benefit for patient safety,” said Dennis Cadugan, Clinical Coordinator, Cardiac Cath Lab.
With the latest technology, Williamson Medical Center (WMC) is now one of the only hospitals in the area with the ability to perform advanced vessel mapping used in the diagnosis of heart conditions, a unique medical resource available to the community.
The cath lab technologies also further streamline the communication between EMS and emergency room staff, allowing them to treat incoming patients more efficiently.
Future additions to the overall expansion and renovation project will make WMC home to a state-of-the-art Heart Center, providing exceptional cardiac care for area residents that’s close to home.
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT EXPANSION
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A few months ago, Williamson Health also celebrated the completion of the first phase of the hospital’s new Adult Emergency Room (ER) with a grand opening event and ribbon cutting.
The event included appearances by local dignitaries including Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson; Bo Butler, chair of the Williamson Health Board of Trustees; project capital campaign co-chairs, Vicki McNamara and Caroline Bryan; and celebrity supporters, Luke Bryan and Darrell Waltrip.
This first phase of the hospital’s ER expansion and renovation included: New Adult ER entrance; Expanded waiting room; New registration desk with three private stations; Two triage rooms; Ten new exam rooms; Private
family gathering room; New conference room in main lobby, and; Outdoor healing garden courtyard.
In addition to these updates, the existing ER space will be renovated in several phases over the next year. Once completed in May 2024, the overall ER project will increase the capacity of the adult ER from 28 to 43 beds.
“The various elements of this renovation came together to enhance the patient experience, supporting our goal to see patients as quickly as possible and maximizing their safety, privacy and comfort throughout their visit,” said Andy Russell, M.D., Williamson Health Chief Medical Officer and Emergency Room physician. “The expansion is an incredible addition to our emergency department, and the renovations still to come will serve to further strengthen and enhance our ability to provide our community with the emergency care they deserve.”
NEW POSTPARTUM UNIT
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“Childbirth, specifically the postpartum period, is critical in the physical and mental health
of the new mom...”
Following the ER celebration, Williamson Health announced the opening of a new postpartum unit, designed to meet a need for expanded birthing resources. This is the first phase in updating the entire obstetrics unit (OB). From the design and functionality to construction and technology, every aspect of the project was created by women for women. Female leaders at Williamson Health, JE Dunn Construction and ESa came together to provide Williamson County residents with a brand-new facility and technology that reflects the exceptional care patients receive.
“Childbirth, specifically the postpartum period, is critical in the physical and mental health of the new mom,” said Heather Rupe, M.D., WMC Chief of Staff. “This new expansion will give us additional education and postpartum support areas.”
This expansion milestone includes the completion of a new 11-bed postpartum unit and newborn nursery. The postpartum rooms are
larger, complete with desk space and Wi-Fi, offering more space for partners and family members to visit. Renovated bathrooms feature walk-in showers, sinks, toilets and shelves. The rooms also include state- of-the-art TVs that double as electronic whiteboards, making it easy for families to cast their favorite audio content to the TV. The brand-new nursery boasts an oversized viewing window, complete with a step for younger visitors, and private
lactation spaces for nursing mothers as well as enhanced education spaces. Future renovations will include fully renovated and expanded Labor, Delivery and Recovery (LDR) rooms and relocating the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to its own secure wing. The new and forthcoming updates to WMC’s OB Unit will continue to enhance the level of services offered, allowing new parents to feel well cared for in their own community.
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NEW GIFT SHOP
The newly expanded and renovated Gift Shop in the WMC main lobby has a fresh new look and luxury boutique feel. Offering a carefully curated selection of products, the shop was designed to be a shopping destination for patients, visitors and the community at large. The shop features a variety of products from local artisans including bouquets from Early June Flower Farm, “Mother Tag” necklaces from Happy Little Mother, locally made jewelry from Eleven Graces, handmade loveys from Bizzy Bee Crochet and a variety of greeting cards designed by a community resident. Co- branded items with Luke and Caroline Bryan will also be available exclusively at the Williamson Medical Center Gift Shop, and the shop will continue to carry items supporting the Brett Boyer Foundation.
“We wanted to create a space that feels like an oasis for family and friends of patients,” said Leigh Williams, Williamson Health Foundation executive director. “These carefully curated items are an easy way to spread kindness while supporting local artisans.”
MORE TO COME
None of these milestones in the ultimate renovation and expansion project would be possible without
the continued support of the Williamson Health Foundation’s “More for You. Close to Home.” capital
campaign. The team has been instrumental in garnering support from individual donors and corporate partners to raise more than $13 million for the project.
“This state-of-the-art project ushers in a new chapter of high-quality healthcare for our community,” said Williams. “We are asking residents to join in support because every gift helps us move toward our goal.”
Other parts of the $200 million project to be completed in 2024 and 2025, include:
• One additional C-section room to total three operating rooms on the OB Unit;
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) relocated to its own secure wing with nine private bays;
• New Heart Center including one new, state-of-the-art Electrophysiology (EP) Lab and two state-of-the-art Cardiac Catheterization Labs, and a Pre- and Post-procedure holding area;
• Full renovation of the existing ER including the addition of a secure, 8-bed pod for patients requiring additional privacy or security for all types of emergency or behavioral health needs;
• West Tower expands from three to six floors and adds a six-story north wing. The north wing includes
72 Medical/Surgical private inpatient beds; a 22-bed Observation Unit; and a new 35-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and large ICU public waiting area to replace the two 10-bed units in the Main Tower.
• Existing Main Tower will be renovated with larger patient rooms and new technology.
“This state-of-the-art project ushers in a new chapter of high-quality healthcare for our community,” said Williams. “We are asking residents to join in support because every gift helps us move toward our goal.”
Newsweek's 2023 World's Best Hospitals
Among the top 2,300 hospitals worldwide, Williamson Medical Center stands out as one of only two Tennessee hospitals on this esteemed list, with 420 U.S. hospitals recognized. This recognition highlights their commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality care backed by expert providers and talented professionals. Newsweek and Statista Inc., renowned for their rigorous statistical analysis, have developed a comprehensive methodology incorporating hospital recommendations from medical experts, patient experiences, reported outcome measures, and quality metrics. Join a community of outstanding care, innovation, and patient outcomes at Williamson Health.
Forever Changed
2023 STAR OF LIFE AWARD HONORS SWIFT ACTION THAT SAVED THE LIFE OF A FIVE-YEAR-OLD AND HIS SIBLINGS
Laura and Erik Graham won’t ever forget June 6, 2022.
That’s when a frayed electrical cord inadvertently fell into the pool where their three children were swimming. All three were electrocuted, and five-year-old Radnor became unresponsive in the water.
Erik, a nurse, quickly sprang into action, grabbing his son out of the pool — receiving an electrical shock himself — and administering life-saving CPR to his youngest son, the only child in cardiac arrest. Eleven-year-old Fennmore called 911.
Through the efforts of his father and a team of first responders, Radnor began to breathe. Multiple agencies responded to the call, including members of the Williamson Health EMS, Williamson County Department of Emergency Communications (911), Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, Williamson County Fire/Rescue (previously called the Williamson County Rescue Squad) and Williamson Fire-Rescue.
“We are so incredibly grateful to live in Williamson County, which I now know works tirelessly to create a seamless response when residents make 911 calls,” Laura, the children’s mother, said. “Each of the people who responded to our call — and even the people behind the scenes organizing our various responders — has forever changed our lives. Every birthday, holiday, Mother’s Day, every milestone, I think of them and how unbearable my life would have been without their intervention.”
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In recognition of their actions to save Radnor’s life and care for his injured siblings, Williamson Health EMS and its partner agencies were honored with a 2023 EMS Star of Life award at the 15th annual Star of Life ceremony hosted by the Children’s Emergency Care Alliance (CECA TN) earlier this year. The Star of Life Award honors the accomplishments offirstrespondersfromallregionsofTennesseewhoprovideexemplary life-saving care to adult and pediatric patients.
As the county’s primary 911 emergency medical provider, the Williamson Health EMS system employs nearly 200 AEMTs, paramedics, critical care paramedics and support personnel to deploy 18 advanced life support ambulances. This marks the fifth time Williamson Health EMS has received the honor.
“This recognition underscores the fact that Williamson Health EMS is one of the best in the state,” said Phil Mazzuca, CEO of Williamson Health. “They provide innovative, high-quality comprehensive emergency care to our community. With their expertise, Williamson Health EMS and our partners across the county were able to act swiftly to save Radnor’s life.”
The team approach to handling emergency calls helps to ensure that Williamson County residents receive the highest level of care.
“The community benefits because the various agencies work together constantly to assess coverage in the community and provide input on ways to improve emergency response,” said Jill Burgin, external affairs officer for the Williamson County Emergency Management Agency. “With regular meetings and training, our county and city fire, law enforcement, EMS,EMA and emergency communications personnel understand the goal of providing excellent and immediate care to the community.”
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Within seven minutes of Fennmore’s 911 call, first responders began to arrive at the Grahams’ home. Sheriff Deputy Wesley Crigger and the Williamson County Fire/Rescue took over compressions on Radnor, applying an AED and delivering a shock. Williamson Health EMS responders then placed a cardiac monitor and obtained an EKG. After these and other interventions, Radnor’s heart began to beat — a weak pulse, but a pulse nonetheless — and he was able to take a few breaths on his own.
Meanwhile, additional Williamson County first responders tended to Radnor’s siblings, Anna and Fennmore. Their injuries were less severe but still required attention. All three children were quickly transported to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Anna and Fennmore are now fully recovered, and Radnor continues to improve.
Michael Wallace, CCPM, Chief of Williamson Health EMS, expressed his team’s deep appreciation for collaborating with other agencies to assist the Graham family.
“In a critical moment, we had the privilege of providing timely intervention to prevent a potential tragedy for the Graham family,” Wallace stated. “Williamson Health EMS maintains strong, enduring partnerships with both city and county public safety departments in our community.
This collaborative approach enables us to deliver comprehensive and efficient EMS services, particularly in emergency situations like this one. Working alongside our fellow first responders from Williamson County, it’s a privilege to offer our assistance and support to the Graham family during their most challenging time.”
“Our folks aren’t just doing a job,” Burgin said. “They really care about caring for their neighbors. The outcome for Radnor and his siblings is definitely the outcome we hope for.”
Laura is thankful for the agencies’ quick response.
“I am so grateful that the entire team of people who responded to our 911 call never gave up on Radnor,” Laura said. “They continued to work on my son, even when the situation seemed impossible, and that dedication led to our miracle.”
Investing in the Future of Healthcare
WILLIAMSON HEALTH’S TRANSFORMATIVE PARTNERSHIP
WITH COLUMBIA STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S NURSING PROGRAM
At Williamson Health, community matters. That commitment is the driving force behind the system’s deep desire to provide exceptional care to area residents, but it also fuels its vision for the future.
One way Williamson Health is investing in both is through a long-standing partnership with Columbia State Community College’s nursing program.
“Columbia State has a campus right here in our backyard,” said Amanda Marcin, clinical educator at Williamson Medical Center (WMC), explaining that Columbia State’s Williamson County campus is located less than a mile from WMC. “The beauty of this partnership is that our nursing students get to learn and grow right in the community they live in. They get to be a part of something that helps their families and their friends.”
For more than two decades, WMC, the regional system’s flagship acute-care hospital, has partnered with Columbia State’s nursing program, helping to provide the hands-on, clinical experiences students need to excel in the field.
“Our curriculum is progressive—we start in the classroom, students practice in the lab—but nothing can replace the experiences students have when they’re immersed in a hospital like Williamson Medical Center,” said Amy Huff, director of Columbia State’s nursing program. “Our students are able to observe and model others in their profession. And with faculty supervision, they’re able to practice what they’ve been learning. There’s no substitute for that.”
Marcin, who helps to plan and design all educational experiences at WMC, agreed.
“You can learn about things by reading about them, but to really understand it, you have to do it,” Marcin said. “Nursing students do simulation labs in class, but there’s no replacement for seeing, touching and talking with a real patient and interacting with real families, caregivers and physicians. These students are the future of healthcare, and we want to give them good experiences so that when they are working in the field, they have a solid foundation.”
Michelle Wittman, who chose nursing as a second career after working in various healthcare executive and sales roles, graduated from Columbia State’s nursing program in May. Last month, she began working as a nurse resident on the fifth floor of WMC, the surgical unit. She said her clinical rotations at WMC definitely provided valuable hands-on learning experiences, but they also helped shape her decision about where to work once she completed her degree.
“When I worked in the business side of healthcare, one of the things I did was manage patient, consumer and employee experiences,” Wittman said. “So when I was doing my clinical rotations at WMC, I paid attention to absolutely everything. Did the nurses look happy? Were they able to spend quality time with patients? What were their interactions like with physicians?
“I wanted to work in an environment where I knew nurses were taken care of and happy,” she continued. “What I learned was that WMC provided the best staffing ratios to the other hospitals I considered, and I knew it would provide the best learning experience that would allow me to master my skills and grow in a place that doesn’t cut corners.”
More than anything, Wittman said she was looking for a community, a hospital that felt like home. And that’s exactly the kind of experience Huff and Marcin are trying to create for nursing students, patients and providers alike.
“There’s just something special about learning from a system that’s rooted in your community,” Huff said. “You belong to it, and it belongs to you. Familiarity can foster trust and comfort. Entering a new profession is intimidating, so being able to learn and train in a place that is familiar boosts student confidence.”
Marcin agreed, stressing that the sense of community Columbia State nursing students experience at WMC flows out of the hospital’s culture, mission and vision for providing exceptional care close to home.
“We have a wonderful hospital, a great facility and amazing nurses, physicians and staff members,” Marcin said of WMC. “Nursing students get real opportunities to grow, learn and establish skills here because we provide high-quality care.
“We’re different than other hospitals,” she continued. “We have a community feel and a sense of home. When we say ‘More for You. Close to Home.’ that idea rings true for our nursing students as well as our community.”
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The Lure Bites Back in
New Williamson Health Commercial
Country music star Luke Bryan's fishing lure mishap takes center stage in a new Williamson Health commercial, featuring his wife Caroline and NASCAR legend Darrell Waltrip. The ad showcases Bryan seated in the backseat of a car with a lure stuck in his neck, prompting Waltrip to race him to Williamson Medical Center's emergency room for a quick fix. The commercial follows the "Race to the Ribbon" ribbon-cutting event that celebrated the completion of the hospital's emergency room expansion and renovation. The event featured Waltrip driving Bryan in a custom-wrapped Williamson Health sports car, while Caroline and Vicki McNamara, co-chairs of the capital campaign funding the project, waved checkered flags to the finish line, where over 150 attendees eagerly awaited. Catch the entertaining commercial before select movies at AMC Dine-In Thoroughbred 20 in Franklin or on the Williamson Health YouTube page.
