Since opening last July, Cleveland Clinic Mentor Hospital has become an area leader in providing world class healthcare in a patient-centric setting
By Patricia Nugent
Since opening last July, Cleveland Clinic Mentor Hospital has served thousands of patients, all under the broad support and world class healthcare the Cleveland Clinic Health System provides.
“Every aspect of our design is intentional to provide next-level care to members of the Lake, Geauga and parts of Ashtabula counties,” says Dr. Richard D. Parker, who, as president of Cleveland Clinic East Submarket, oversees and guides the strategic direction of several hospitals in the system. “As the first hospital in Mentor, our vision and implementation are committed to involving and serving the community as a whole.”
In addition to high-level medical equipment and technology, the look of the hospital has earned accolades. Cleveland Clinic and Bostwick Design received the Cleveland chapter of the American Institute of Architects’ 2023 People’s Choice Award for its innovative design.
Walking through its doors, you’ll notice the calm and healing environment is filled with light and beauty. Stunning artwork enriches the hospital atrium, and loads of natural light brightens all levels, helping boost wellness.
Focus on 24/7 Emergency Care
Mentor Hospital is well-equipped to provide comprehensive emergency services and low acuity in-hospital care. Those with less acute care needs can have follow-up care at home or in one of the outpatient settings.
Most patients who come to the emergency department via ambulance are Mentor residents. Others are from neighboring communities in Lake and Geauga counties.
Within the 19 bays of the emergency department, the technology and service has been well received by patients and providers. Physician specialists and patients can connect via telehealth screens in patient rooms, which expedites the process.
“Telehealth technology brings world class Cleveland Clinic care to all our patients, allowing specialists anywhere in Cleveland Clinic’s health system to consult with patients in Mentor,” says Dr. Parker.
Every inpatient room has a high-resolution camera and television to facilitate consultations. The Emergency Department also has a telehealth “robot,” a mobile telehealth station to facilitate consultations for patients there. In addition, every outpatient room workstation is equipped with virtual health capabilities.
Helipad for Critical Transfers
“During the town hall planning sessions, the importance of designing a helipad for us to transport critical care patients who need a higher level of care to either Hillcrest, Euclid, Marymount or South Pointe hospitals or the downtown campus became apparent,” he says. “This is especially important for patients suffering from conditions such as cardiac events and strokes, when every minute counts when it comes to saving brain cells or heart tissue. Our team is mobilized for smooth transport as soon as someone is brought in. Having the support of the entire health system is a major benefit to being part of a larger organization. When needed, this transfer of patients has gone extremely well.”
Every step was taken in designing the hospital to provide patient-centric care. They even created a covered canopy entrance to the Emergency Department to safely bring patients in. They also constructed heated walkways to melt the snow so it cannot become a barrier to safety.
“The feedback we received from the fire chiefs and EMS providers from the local departments was that the flow and space allotment for the transfer area were elemental to the level of care,” he says. “It is working extremely well for patients, EMS providers and hospital staff.”
Robot-Assisted Joint Replacement
Dr. Parker explains that advancements in technology inform every aspect of the care delivered here. And nowhere is that more evident than the robot-assisted arthroplasty or joint replacement.
“With our four state-of-the-art operating rooms, Mentor has become a destination for robotic total joint replacement,” he says. “The procedures entail a high level of pre-operative planning, as well as a more precise execution, which translates to better healing, shorter recovery time and ultimately better outcomes.”
In addition to joint replacement, Mentor Hospital’s outpatient services include bariatric surgery, cardiology, digestive disease, general and colorectal surgery, vascular surgery, urology, pulmonary medicine, orthopaedics and sports medicine. Inpatient care includes primary care, orthopaedics and general surgery. All areas are seeing a robust number of patients. Lab and imaging services are also available to ED, in-hospital and outpatients.
You’ll find 34 inpatient and observation rooms, 12 pre-and post-anesthesia care beds and 23 outpatient care rooms. All hospital rooms are single occupancy.
“When people ask me if the hospital system is really growing, I tell them that a sizable number of new patients come to us who have never had a Cleveland Clinic patient number, which is fantastic,” he says. “At the end of the day, our work is about patients and families. We are deeply committed to providing the highest quality care and an exceptional experience to all.
Located at 8300 Norton Parkway in Mentor, Cleveland Clinic Mentor Hospital joins the Clinic’s eight other medical facilities in Lake and Geauga counties, including primary care offices in Chardon, Concord, Madison, Mentor and Willoughby Hills. As an extension of Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest Hospital, Mentor Hospital shares its leadership team. This operating model allows for easy access and flexible staffing between the facilities. For the hospital, call 440-578-3000. The outpatient center is 440-578-3100. Visit ClevelandClinic.org/MentorHospital for more information.