August 15, 2003

The welcome mat is out: MGH Charlestown completes renovations

As patients and visitors enter the MGH Charlestown HealthCare Center, they now are greeted by a modernized environment that is warm and inviting. The health center recently completed a major renovation project that has revitalized the interior structure of the historic Charlestown building.

The first noticeable differences are the changes to the first floor. The main lobby has a refreshing new look, featuring a large waiting area, a circular information desk where patients can check in for Adult Medicine visits and separate information desks for check-out.

A new private patient bathroom was installed in the Adult Medicine area to improve patient privacy. Adult Medicine practice support staff members now enjoy a centralized work area that makes workflow easier and more efficient.

In addition, the Police and Security office was relocated to the first floor, and two
registration staff members now have enclosed offices to ensure greater privacy with patient registration information.

The improvements also include the relocation of radiology services to the basement level, with a new digital radiography suite that allows health center physicians to access MGH Radiology services online and view radiology images right from their computer station. A centralized area for sterilizing medical instruments has created a better workflow for clinicians.

The renovations have allowed more space on the second floor to help improve patient flow and privacy as well as alleviate constraints for Pediatric and Adolescent medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Neurology, Dermatology and Podiatry. In addition, the health center's Interpreter Services staff and members of the Community Outreach and Health Education team have found a permanent location on the second floor after three years of working in temporary quarters.

"There is a collective sigh of relief from our employees and staff. We are just thrilled that the major renovations have been completed, and our patients and visitors seem to be just as pleased," says Peggy Carolan, executive director for the health center.

The completion of the renovations also marks a major milestone for the YouthCare program, an at-risk-youth program that has called MGH Charlestown home for more
than 30 years. In September, the program will relocate to the third floor of the Charlestown Boys and Girls Club at 15 Green St., allowing for a much-needed expansion of the program's services. YouthCare serves special-needs youth
through small therapeutic after-school and teen programs.

Top photo: The new front lobby of MGH Charlestown.
Bottom photo, from left, Carolan, Pat Simpson, a member of the health center's Community Advisory Board; and Sylvia Lewinstein, administrative director of YouthCare, pose in front of artwork created by children in the YouthCare program.