Tuomey's Bell Women and Infants' Pavilion

Yesterday morning the Sumter Board of Realtors® was invited to a breakfast provided by Tuomey Healthcare System with a tour of the Bell Women and Infants' Pavilion. They wanted to talk to us about the services there, so we could pass the word along to our clients and customers, especially those who were thinking about moving to Sumter and wanted information on the health care available.

Hubby and I decided not to have kids (both of us were on active duty in the military and in worldwide deployable units -- kids seemed a bad idea) so I've never had need of birthing services or pre-natal care or any of that stuff. But I will tell you, even from my inexperienced perspective, that's a great facility. They've put a lot of thought into the design, including how much walking a 9-month-pregnant woman has to do to get from the front door to where she has to go. The Pavilion has its own entrances, so it's no longer necessary for patients to wind their way through any other building or hallways to get to their health care providers. The birthing rooms are lovely, more like hotel rooms than hospital rooms. All the equipment needed is there, it's just stored in lovely cabinets and the lighting is designed to be soothing, although surgical-type lighting is available should it become necessary.

One of the features was the nursery. There is a very large window, in front of which is a step up for the kids coming to see their new brother or sister. When we went by the new ones were being checked by the nurses on duty. Cute as bugs' ears they were, almost enough to make me want one. At my age it's no longer an issue!

They have specialists on duty to help with counseling, including an education nurse and lactation consultant who can help new mothers (and fathers!) with all the questions they have.

You can visit the Tuomey Bell Pavilion website for more information. It's a very nice facility; I was impressed.