New facility for St. Rose extends commitment to Henderson

Lee Scrivner

Friday, June 16, 2000 | 10:15 a.m.

It looks like the Bellagio of health care facilities in Southern Nevada.

The gazebo in the healing garden was designed in Germany. The chapel's dome ceiling borrows from European Baroque models. The hand-troweled walls change shades gradually to soothe the mind.

But don't equate this lavish decor with exclusivity.

The St. Rose Dominican Hospital's Siena Campus is due to open in Henderson in mid-July. It is part of a not-for-profit, nontax-supported health care system with a tradition of caring for the sick, poor, and disadvantaged in California, Arizona, and Nevada, St. Rose President and Chief Executive Officer Rod A. Davis said.

"One of our primary concerns is that we are open and inviting to all," Davis said Thursday. "Rich or poor, Catholic, Protestant or Muslim ... all receive the same treatment."

The hospital will have herbs in the healing gardens to stimulate patients' senses. Geometric tile designs on the walls are intended to evoke trust. Natural wood cabinets provide a home-like feel.

But patient treatment will not be limited to posh aesthetics.

"Many of the functional innovations in this hospital were suggested by our staff," Davis said. "Each patient's room has a nursing alcove where a cabinet of supplies can be loaded from the other side of the wall to reduce disturbing of patients.

"In our operating room, cords and supplies that usually clutter carts on the floor will be held in gantries that come down from the ceiling. This is best to assure a sterile environment."

Innovation in building design will be complemented by leading-edge medical technology. The new St. Rose hospital will have the only fully filmless, digital Radiology Department in Nevada.

The $100 million facility at Lake Mead Drive and Eastern Avenue is co-owned by the Adrian Dominican sisters and Catholic Healthcare West.

In 1947 seven Dominican nuns from Adrian, Mich., pledged to provide health care to the budding Henderson community for 50 years for one dollar.

"I think it is interesting that almost 50 years to the day after they made that commitment, planning and construction commenced for this new hospital," Davis said. "This symbolizes our continuing commitment to Henderson for 50 more years."

For the July opening, 141 beds will be available. Sixty more beds on the hospital's fourth floor will be available in ensuing months. A new 400-bed tower may also be added on the site in seven to 10 years to meet the needs of Henderson's growing population.