OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital has marked a significant advancement in its commitment to regional healthcare, officially opening two state-of-the-art operating rooms as part of a substantial $17.2 million renovation project. This pivotal first phase of surgical services modernization introduces cutting-edge facilities designed to elevate patient care and operational efficiency within the Athens, Ohio community.

The newly constructed operating rooms and their accompanying modernized support spaces are already fully operational, demonstrating the immediate impact of these upgrades. Notably, the first surgical procedure in one of the new suites was successfully performed on July 22, signaling a new era of advanced medical capabilities for the hospital.

This comprehensive renovation, structured to unfold in multiple phases, is meticulously planned to enhance patient safety protocols, streamline intricate surgical workflows, and accommodate sophisticated surgical procedures well into the future. Phase 1 specifically focuses on delivering two of the three projected operating rooms, alongside updated areas that significantly improve how surgical teams prepare for and deliver critical care.

Ressa Hutchison, the surgery manager at O’Bleness Hospital, emphasized the transformative nature of these new facilities. She noted, “These are modern, thoughtfully designed spaces that reflect how far we’ve come in our surgical care. Our teams have more space to move, advanced technology to support them and a more comfortable, efficient environment to care for patients.”

Each advanced surgical suite is equipped with state-of-the-art Steris surgical LED lighting, featuring innovative shadow-reducing sensors for optimal visibility during procedures. This advanced lighting system is seamlessly integrated with a Steris CleanSuite airflow system, crucial for maintaining an impeccably sterile environment, thereby minimizing infection risks.

Further enhancing operational flexibility, many of the surgical room systems, including lighting and airflow, can be remotely controlled from a high-tech nurse’s station. This integrated control system allows staff greater command over their environment, contributing to a more streamlined workflow throughout the day and optimizing every aspect of patient treatment.

According to Hutchison, these newly unveiled suites are among the most technologically advanced in the entire region, setting a new benchmark for medical facilities. Future phases of the expansive project are set to include the construction of a third operating room and a dedicated endoscopy suite, further broadening the hospital’s specialized service offerings.

LeeAnn Lucas-Helber, president of OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital, underscored the project’s significance, stating, “This project is a major investment in the health of our region. It means patients in Athens and throughout southeast Ohio can receive high-quality surgical care in the most up-to-date environment without needing to travel far from home.” The hospital currently performs over 3,000 surgeries annually, and these new spaces are poised to support future growth while concurrently enhancing both care quality and the provider experience, with final completion anticipated in early 2026.