By arhospice on November 13th, 2019

A. Reed Thompson, M.D. Meditation Room and Grace W. Dyer Sturgeon Family Room also celebrated

Little Rock, Ark – Arkansas Hospice, the state’s largest provider of hospice services, recently cut the ribbon on and started providing care in its newly remodeled Ottenheimer Inpatient Center.

Arkansas Hospice President and CEO Judy Wooten, Arkansas Hospice Foundation Executive Director Renie Rule, Arkansas Ottenheimer Inpatient Center Manager Sarah Jones, plus friends and supporters of Arkansas Hospice presided over the event.

Arkansas Hospice President & CEO Judy Wooten said during the event that the renovations provide patients and families with a home-like atmosphere within the support structure of a hospital. The inpatient unit is located on the 7^th floor of CHI St. Vincent Little Rock, and was moved from the west to the east wing of the floor as part of the renovation.

A significant contribution to the project was made by the Ottenheimer Brothers Foundation. Arkansas Hospice Foundation Executive Director Renie Rule, said, “Because of their continuous support, Arkansas Hospice can provide the highest level of inpatient care in Central Arkansas at the Ottenheimer Inpatient Center.”

In addition to new beds, furnishings, patient/guest restrooms with showers and refinished surroundings, families are also provided with enhanced care through other additions to the center.

The A. Reed Thompson, M.D. Meditation Room provides a comfortable space where family members can have sensitive conversations with each other or their care team, as well as reflect, meditate or pray. Dr. Thompson was a pioneer of hospice and palliative medicine, and a former medical director at Arkansas Hospice. Funding for the room was provided by donations from family and friends given through the Arkansas Hospice Foundation.

Another addition to the facility is the Grace W. Dyer Sturgeon Family Room. Here, families of patients can gather in a more open environment with comfortable seating, a television, large refrigerator specifically for patient’s families, dining tables, and even a children’s play area. Gifts given through the Arkansas Hospice Foundation also provided the means for this room in the inpatient center to be realized.

Arkansas Hospice opened the first inpatient hospice facility in the state in 2000. Today, Arkansas Hospice is the largest provider of hospice care in the state, delivering award-winning care to patients and their families from a total of 10 area offices and 3 impatient centers, covering a 43-county service area.