Each month, Andrea Burch, President of InterMountain Lutheran Hospital, shares insights on healthcare innovation, community wellness initiatives, and behind-the-scenes updates on how the new hospital is taking shape. From medical breakthroughs to heartfelt patient stories, this interview connects our readers with the pulse of local healthcare.
Do Lutheran employees that spent so many years at the old campus feel like there should be a landmark for what happened there? Is there anything being done to preserve that history with the developer?
Absolutely, we worked with the city to create the Lutheran Legacy Campus Master Plan in 2021 after surveying more than 1,200 residents and holding public meetings and workshops. The reason we did this was to find a developer who was committed to following through on that vision. Preserving the character of the legacy campus was a core part of our vision. Historic structures like the 1932 chapel, and the Blue House, built in 1902 to support early hospital staff, will be preserved, along with one of the original tuberculosis tents. These are cultural touchstones, and they deserve to be integrated into the next iteration of this community. Additionally, the plan frees 20 percent of the land for parks, trails, plazas and walkable spaces, ensuring that they serve the community’s recreational and social needs.
We took this very seriously and after thoroughly evaluating ten distinct proposals, we finalized terms and conditions and are under contract to sell the property to E5X. This ensures that redevelopment will be handled by a team dedicated to the community’s well-being, and E5X has ensured that future development will align with the master plan’s aspirations.
The nursing industry is suffering in filling up needed positions. What is Lutheran doing to attract and retain their workforce overall?
Retaining a skilled workforce is important for the success of our organization. We provide various opportunities for career development and advancement, including a tuition reimbursement program to support caregivers’ educational goals. This program offers financial assistance to those pursuing further education, promoting continuous learning and professional growth.
Our nursing partnership program with Arapahoe Community College offers tuition and lab cost coverage for eligible caregivers, specifically those who are in good standing and work at least 20 hours per week. This initiative helps reduce financial barriers for aspiring nurses and enhances the workforce with well-trained individuals.
This past Spring we brought in new nurse graduates from Regis University. We gave them hospital tours, conducted on-site interviews, and filled some positions in our Acuity Adaptable Unit, Cardiac Neuro Intermediated Care and Surgical Trauma Unit. We continue to partner with other universities and nursing programs.
Additionally, the clinical ladder iAspire program fosters career progression within the nursing field. This structured program provides a clear pathway for nurses to advance their skills and roles, which can improve career satisfaction and overall patient care quality.
Furthermore, the organization’s culture emphasizes respect, collaboration, and support, contributing to employee satisfaction and loyalty. By investing in our nurses’ development and maintaining a positive workplace environment, we ensure that our nursing staff feels valued, engaged and motivated to remain with the organization long term.
What’s left on the “to do” list with the new building? Is anyone still tasked with “the move”?
The “to-do” list has mostly revolved around warranty work since early May when the warranty ended from the contractor’s side of the business. We have asphalt and concrete repairs that will occur over the next 30 to 45 days. We knew this work would come later, but we needed to wait for warmer weather to complete it. We’re also looking forward to the second phase of our interior signage that will come in July.
We still have people tasked with the move, though not with the same frequency. Our Facilities team meets with the developer on various items every week as they complete their due diligence before moving forward with the purchase.
Additionally, we still work with partners, like Project Cure, to repurpose used medical and office equipment we had at the old hospital for developing countries, local high schools, and more.
