LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky's (UK) Albert B. Chandler Hospital recently completed its brand-new intensive care units. They are now on the 12th floor in a permanent spot. 

What You Need To Know

  • The University of Kentucky's Albert B. Chandler Hospital is opening doors to a new ICU floor that meets patient needs 

  • Staff and patients in the hospital during the pandemic provided feedback for the new floor 

  • Designers implemented sleep, lactation, consultation and other room amenities to adapt to families and visitors

  • The floor will serve medical and cardiovascular ICU patients 

Originally, ICU patients shared several floors throughout the hospital. Now, the facility is preparing to expand its size and amenities to respiratory and cardiovascular patients, along with others who will be admitted or moved to this floor.

The new ICU floor features various photos and art work. (Spectrum News 1/Sabriel Metcalf)

Dieticians, sanitary staff, nurses, physicians and others are embracing special alterations to rooms in light of the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic raised. 

Ashley Montgomery-Yates, the director of UK's ICU recovery clinic, said feedback from staff and visitors highlighted the need for a bright, open and uplifting space. Rooms are wider and fit up to two patients, plus eight additional beds. 

Spaces like anterooms keep the positive air pressure in and negative pressure out. The upgrade was a well-thought out addition to the hospital, which took a strategic plan to come together after the pandemic, Montgomery-Yates said. 

“UK Health Care is here to help the people of Kentucky; that's always our mission, and this is just one more step in that direction," Montgomery-Yates said. "I think sometimes, folks wish we could move faster, as we all do, but it takes planning and lots and lots of moving pieces.”

Patients already with beds will be moved to the new unit this Sunday, Feb. 4.

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