Comfort Care Suites help provide a more comforting experience for patients and loved ones experiencing end-of-life situations.
February 2, 2024
St. Peter’s Health announced today the completion of their Comfort Care Suites, two newly renovated patient care spaces on the surgical/oncology unit at the Regional Medical Center dedicated to providing a more comforting experience for patients and loved ones experiencing end-of-life situations. Each suite includes a patient care room and a conjoined family room.
St. Peter’s Chief Nursing Officer Kari Koehler, MSN, RN says updating these spaces provides a more private and intimate experience for loved ones during this most challenging and vulnerable time while still maintaining all regulatory care requirements.
“Saying goodbye to a loved one is never easy and timing can be unpredictable, which is why we are committed to providing a dignified and calming environment for everyone involved,” says Koehler. “These suites were specifically designed to give family members, loved ones, and patients some much-needed rest and space while remaining close by.”
Now equipped with Bluetooth ceiling speakers, a smart TV, and Sky Factory ceiling scenery, the inpatient care rooms offer a warmer and more relaxing environment for patients, their loved ones, and caregivers. Directly conjoined to each patient care room is a family room designated for respite and includes a couch, mini-refrigerator, personal coffee machine, microwave, fireplace, smart TV, Sky Factory window scenery, and more.
“Compassion, kindness, and comfort will continue to be at the bedside throughout each person’s stay,” says Koehler. “This is what gold standard patient care and experience looks and feels like.”
The completion of the Comfort Care Suites completed the $2.1 million “Gold Standard for Cancer Care” fundraising initiative hosted by the St. Peter’s Health Foundation. Opportunity Bank of Montana, Stockman Bank, Pam and Eric Schindler, Marilyn Hudson, Browning, Kaleczyc, Berry & Hoven, P.C., Dee and Mike Trombetta, the Capital High School volleyball program, and many other donors helped fund the projects completed prior, including the renovation of the St. Peter’s Health Cancer Care lobby and waiting room; the addition of a Healing Room; the renewal of the Marilyn Hudson Meditation Garden at the Regional Medical Center; and the purchase of additional medical equipment for cancer patient diagnosis, treatment, and care.
St. Peter’s gives special thanks to the Trustees and donors of Jane Hibbard Hospice Endowment, The Treacy Foundation, the Dorothy Thayer Hospice Foundation, the Sunderland Foundation, and MJ Murdock Charitable Trust for their generous support of the Comfort Care Suites, and for their generous support of other major Gold Standard for Cancer Care projects. St. Peter’s also thanks Heather and Guy Almquist for establishing their “Warm Hugs” endowed fund to provide refreshments in the Comfort Care Suites for family members and loved ones during their stay.
When not used for end-of-life care, both suites can be made available as regular patient care rooms.
