OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — The first phase of Nebraska Medicine and UNMC’s new $2.19 billion facility is almost complete. We're sharing what this means for the future of healthcare in our region.
- In August, the NU Board of Regents approved the initial plans for Project Health.
- "I think that these updated facilities would help give the impression that UNMC is a place where students are a meaningful part of the care team."
- The Innovation Design Unit (IDU) in Nebraska Medicine's University Tower is the first step in the course to redefine healthcare.
BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:
The first phase of Nebraska Medicine and UNMC's new $2.19 billion facility is almost complete and it's the first step toward what the future of healthcare could look like.
"This is truly an important and exciting step forward for us," said Jeffrey Gold, NU System President.
In August, the NU Board of Regents approved the initial plans for Project Health.
UNMC Student Regent Pranita Devaraju says there is a need for a project like this to expand opportunities for students like herself.
"I think that these updated facilities would help give the impression that UNMC is a place where students are a meaningful part of the care team," she said.
Devaraju says currently more than 50% of the patients they see are in Clarkson Tower, which was not designed for learners.
"Often, if you walk the halls of Clarkson, you will see, you know, teams of five, six, seven students crowding around the room, crowding around the door of a room trying to hear what's being said," Devaraju explained.
While Project Health is still in development, the first phase is almost complete.
The Innovation Design Unit (IDU) in Nebraska Medicine's University Tower is the first step in how leaders seek to redefine healthcare.
"We were looking at how we can use the space itself to be part of how we teach," UNMC Interim Chancellor Dele Davies divulged.
The IDU will serve as a model for the new hospital.
Beyond a clinical learning center, Project Health will also be a hub for research and offer clinical trials.
"We want every trainee in the country to want to come here and say, 'This is where the cutting edge-type of healing training is going on'," Dr. Davies expounded.
"We continue to believe that Project Health will unquestionably have a transformational impact on the state of Nebraska," Dr. Gold added.
The Innovation Design Unit is set to open in January.
