Renovations, expansion at Mease Dunedin Hospital

The critical-care unit at Mease Dunedin Hospital opened recently with a look different from a traditional hospital setting. Walls painted in warm greens and beiges, a hall adorned with a serenity stone-wall waterfall, and pendant light fixtures with weaved-glass sconces hanging above the nurses' station are just some of the changes made during the first phase of the hospital's $19 million renovation and expansion project.

"The intention was to create a peaceful environment for the patients and their loved ones so they would feel more at ease during their hospital stay, but we also designed this unit so that staff can provide the optimal level of quality care that Morton Plant Mease has become known for," said Lou Galidieri, chief operating officer of Mease Dunedin Hospital.

The changes have not been just cosmetic. Rooms in the critical care unit have been constructed with patient/staff interaction in mind and respiratory care is now in the critical care unit, because these are the patients whom the respiratory therapists care for most frequently.

"Environment is just as important to the staff as to the patients," said Kelly Triolo, director of patient services. "If they are in a place that creates a feeling of calm and peace, they are going to be able to do their job better, have a better outlook, and that will transfer to the patient by way of care."

The focus now turns toward renovations in other areas of the hospital, including the ambulatory and post-anesthesia care units, the sterile-processing department, and surgical suites.

Upon completion, a total of 51,000 square feet of the hospital, at 601 Main St., Dunedin, will be renovated and 4,000 square feet will be added as new construction.

All phases are expected to be complete by 2011.

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Doris Lill, community development manager with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, will show the DVD Hold That Thought and lead a discussion of cognitive issues associated with MS at 7 p.m. today at the Hospice of the Florida Suncoast, 2675 Tampa Road, Palm Harbor.

John Stevens will follow Lill, speaking on "Brain Fitness."

Caregivers are welcome.To reserve a seat, call Eileen Smith at (727) 773-1313 or Bud Llewellyn at (727) 698-4346.

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The following free seminars and classes will take place at Nature's Food Patch, 1225 Cleveland St., Clearwater:

• 6 p.m. Friday, "Five Secrets to Looking and Feeling Younger," seminar by Dr. Julie Gatza.

• 11 a.m. Saturday, "Wonderful Wild Rice," cooking class with chef Debby DeGraaff.

For details, call (727) 443-6703.

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Seminars, classes and support groups

T.O.P.S. (TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY): 8-10 a.m. Wednesdays at the Largo Community Center, 65 Fourth St., Largo, (727) 538-2361. Fee.

T.O.P.S. (TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY): Noon-2 p.m. Wednesdays at St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 812 Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs, (727) 938-0934. Fee.

CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS (12 STEP): 7 p.m. Tuesdays at Grand Villa ALF, 750 Starkey Road, Largo, (727) 460-7824.

NAR-ANON FAMILY GROUP MEETINGS: 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Mondays (except holidays) at 517 Crystal Beach Ave., Crystal Beach; 7 p.m. Tuesdays at First United Methodist Church, Fellowship Hall, Room F108, 421 Main St., Dunedin; and 7 p.m. Wednesdays, St. Paul's Methodist Church, 1199 Highland Ave., Room 102, Largo. E-mail naranonfamily groups@yahoo.com.