Ribbon Cutting for Third Phase of Cottingham House

A ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of the third phase of the Cottingham House at Oconee Hospice of the Foothills is planned for Wednesday, August 28, 2013, at 10am. The public is invited to attend this celebration and tour the newest section of the hospice house, which is located at 390 Keowee School Road.  Phase III renovations included a large entry patio, spacious family dining room, full service kitchen, meeting room, reception area, storage room, a suite of offices for the new Palliative Care program, public restrooms and space for the final 10 patient rooms and visitor alcove.  Renovations to a nurses’ station were also recently completed.  “The exterior of our newest wing looks complete, but at this time, we are only finishing the public spaces,” said Arlene Privette, director of Hospice of the Foothills.  “The patient care area, which will house 10 more patient rooms and a visitor alcove, will be left unfinished at this time.” Once the patient census for the existing 15 patient rooms has reached capacity on a consistent basis, the final 10 rooms will be completed. We are especially excited about our new nurses’ station, which is centrally located and provides more space for private phone and face-to-face conversations.  We also now have expanded space for medication storage, as well as space for electronic medical equipment.”  The Cottingham House is a freestanding hospice facility that provides medical, nursing and skilled hospice providers around the clock. A first of its kind in Oconee County, the facility offers a secluded home-like setting for patients with end-stage illnesses who choose not to remain at home. The ribbon cutting ceremony is open to the public.  Refreshments and tours of the facility will be available. Numerous naming opportunities will be unveiled following the ribbon cutting.  Artwork, gardens, trees and garden benches will be available to name for a loved one or friend.  Individuals interested in more information about these naming opportunities should contact the Oconee Medical Center Foundation at 864-885-7912.