Inside New Avera Surgery Center

SIOUX FALLS, SD - In three weeks, patients and doctors at Avera McKennan will receive a whole new surgical experience.

The Avera Surgery Center, located on the fourth floor of the health system's new Cancer Institute, is receiving its finishing touches.

While the new and seasoned nurses and surgical techs get to know each other, they're also anxiously awaiting the big move into 650 square feet of state-of-the-art operating space.

“It's a much larger OR, so I think having that extra space is really a big satisfier,” Avera McKennan Assistant Vice President of Peri-Operative Services Patti Jagoe said.

Eight new operating rooms will open on the campus July 6. In fact, the first out-patient surgery is already scheduled.

In-patient and trauma surgeries will continue in the current OR, which Jagoe says is a benefit to patients.

“When you mix your in-patient and your out-patient population, specifically in surgery, you create an inefficient process,” said Jagoe.

And the team here is making efficiency a priority.

“They don't have to come two hours ahead of time. They can arrive an hour ahead and we are ready for them,” Jagoe said

They can do this all while putting safety first. For example all of the equipment is in the exact same space in every room, none of which touches the floor.

“It's easier to move. If you don't need the equipment it moves totally out of the way. But if you need it, you can pull it up close to the field without cords dragging on the floor,” Jagoe said.

As for the green lights ...

“For laparoscopic procedures, for example, when we turn the lights out the room is relatively dark except for a spotlight or two the nurses are needing to use,” Jagoe said.

The lights illuminate the room, reducing glare on the monitors surgeons rely on to see where their surgical instruments are inside the body.

Another benefit to doctors and patients is patient tracking. Sensors in the ceiling help doctors know that patients are ready for surgery and helps notify their families too.

Every patient has a unique badge, which sends a signal to the sensor to track the patient through the building. It can even let staff know if the patient hasn't had contact with a doctor or nurse for 20 minutes.

Making the surgical experience faster and safer so patients can move on toward their recovery.