In early November, Banner Health’s newest hospital, Banner Ocotillo Medical Center, opened its doors to the community.
The hospital is the newest one Banner has built in Arizona since 2010—and it was built based on the needs of the growing Southeast Valley.
“Our mission is ‘making healthcare easier so life can be better,’” explains Laura Robertson, CEO of Banner Ocotillo Medical Center, Banner Desert Medical Center, and Banner Children’s at Desert. “Access to care is a key component to this mission. In addition to serving the communities of Ahwatukee, Chandler and Gilbert, we know there are many people who receive care through our Banner Health Network who were required to travel for acute care needs. Our focus is on value-based care—ensuring that exceptional treatment is easy to access. We already have a Banner Health Center which provides primary care in this area, and the hospital is another great support for acute care needs in our community.”
Banner Ocotillo, a four-story, 240,0000-square-foot hospital located on the southeast corner of Alma School Road and the Loop 202/Santan Freeway, currently has 124 patient beds and offers emergency care; intensive care; endoscopy; cardiac services; imaging; surgical services; and women and infant services, including labor and delivery. It was also built with shelled spaces for fast expansion.
“The medical center is capable of growing by an additional tower as patient volumes and community needs require expansion. As the volumes dictate, we are committed to the continued growth and investment to support the community,” Robertson says.
In creating the hospital, Banner invested heavily in safety and advanced technology.
“For example, all staff will use CareAware handheld smart devices that streamline communications, medical record access, and scanning. And with safety at the forefront, all surgical spaces have built-in UV disinfectant lighting. We’ll also use a hand hygiene monitoring system,” Robertson says.
The facility was also built with a healing—and local—environment in mind. There are more than 200 pieces of art throughout the campus, including many pictures and images of Chandler. And, much of the artwork was created by local artists, as a way to build a connection to—and honor—the community.
At the entrance, there is a full-wall, original ceramic mosaic created by local artist Rylee Sturge.
Banner Ocotillo Medical Center (BannerHealth.com/ocotillo) is designed to be for, and a part of, the community.
And, says Robertson, “Our campus and the technology we offer patients may be brand new, but our team members are well-seasoned caregivers. Banner Ocotillo is not only an excellent place for patients, but also a great place to work for many Chandler residents.”
