ALAMOSA — This may just look like an ordinary patient room in a hospital, but to the staff and patients at the San Luis Valley Health Regional Medical Center in Alamosa, these five new private rooms are an important addition to patient care in this rural setting. 

“It became apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic, that having a private room isn’t just a luxury, it is a necessity, especially when patients are potentially contagious,” remarked Konnie Martin, SLVH Chief Operating Officer. “Adding these rooms continues to improve our healing environment, and we are proud of the teams’ work in opening the rooms in service to our patients.” 

SLV Health received USDA Recovery Grant Funding in the amount of $1,000,000 for a total project estimated at $3.1M. They submitted the grant in 2021 during the COVID pandemic and were formally notified that they were funded in June 2022. 

The primary goals of the grant included supporting immediate health care needs, help prepare for a future pandemic event, increase access to quality health care services and improve community outcomes 

Renovations began June 10, 2024, in a current wing that Cardiology occupied. The first patient admitted to the new unit occurred on March 17. 

The facilities teams, SLVH leadership, nursing leaders, and Phipps Construction continued to move the project forward as quickly as possible. 

SLVH RMC remains a 49-bed not-for-profit community hospital, now with more private rooms.