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A New Era in Surgical Innovation

The operating rooms (ORs) at St. John’s Health are the heart of our hospital, where the most critical and complex procedures take place. With advancements in medical technology rapidly reshaping possibilities, the need for an upgrade became increasingly apparent. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the Friedman Family Foundation, St. John’s Health was able to embark on a transformative renovation of our ORs.

What was once a set of six disjointed, restrictive rooms has been completely transformed into dynamic, hightech surgical suites designed to meet the modern demands of St. John’s Health surgeons and their patients.

The changes we’ve implemented have been nothing short of revolutionary,” says Becca Radley, Director of Surgical Services. “The new OR integration system has centralized control over everything from lighting to imaging platforms, giving our team more flexibility and efficiency during procedures. This kind of setup allows us to focus more on patient care and less on managing technical hurdles.

The upgraded ORs not only create more usable space but also allow for quick reconfiguration to accommodate a wide range of surgical procedures. 4K visualization technology has further elevated the quality of imaging, giving surgeons the precision they need for even the most intricate procedures. “The clarity we’re now able to achieve with 4K imaging is remarkable,” Becca adds. “It’s an innovation that will make a significant difference in the most delicate surgeries.”

But the innovation doesn’t stop there. The newly renovated ORs are also equipped with fluorescence technology, enabling surgeons to visualize vascular structures in real time—an advancement that can significantly improve outcomes in complex surgeries.

These are the kinds of innovations that set St. John’s Health apart and, most importantly, improve patient outcomes,” says Sean Ryan, Director of Facilities. “It’s not just about upgrading; it’s about creating spaces that anticipate the future needs of surgical care.

The renovations have also enhanced patient care beyond the operating room. New systems now allow surgeons to seamlessly integrate video and still images directly into patients’ medical charts, providing a more comprehensive surgical record and streamlining follow-up care.

As the doors to the newly renovated operating rooms open, the profound impact of this transformation is unmistakable. Now, every patient who enters these operating rooms will experience the very best that modern medicine has to offer.

St. John’s Health Foundation Board Members suit up for an inside look at the operating rooms. Pictured left to right: Bob Pisano, Jeff Flug, May Herr, Doug Ober, Jim Auge, Katrina Ryan, Pat Robertson, Paul Vogelheim, Tom Bruno, and Dick Collister.
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