The new Hospital, that replaces ECM, is actually a much-needed improvement and asset for the area. I wish I hadn't had a reason to visit the Hospital but given my wife's test and procedures we have been there far more than I care to have been but given that we have had opportunity to go there I will say it's a vast improvement over ECM and I'm glad to have the option to go there.
It's not as fancy or luxurious as say Madison's new hospital but you can tell that it was well thought out and a vast improvement in so many areas over ECM. Gone is the paid parking deck and replacing it is actually complimentary Valet parking and getting around once in the Hospital is very easy and intuitive. The Emergency Room waiting area is also much improved and much larger and the hospital cafeteria is well thought out and positioned for easy access.
The food, although I haven't sampled it myself, looked very tasty and not at all undesirable and there, depending on the day, are also other food vendors available. For instance, on Tuesday and Thursdays, they have a Chick-fil-a representative in an area of the cafeteria serving Chick-fil-a and on Fridays Jimmy Jonn's Sandwiches are available. On Mondays or Wednesdays, I believe Ricks BBQ is made available and I'm not sure if there is another but at least you are not restricted to "Hospital Food" if you don't want it. Access to, and from, the new Hospital is also vastly improved. I can see why Helen Keller tried to fight the Hospital and keep if from happening because whereas ECM wasn't the nicest and easiest place to visit and park, you can tell that those who participated in the design and construction of this new facility knew what they were doing and took care to get it right.
I can't speak of what the employees that work there feel about it and how, if at all, it has improved their work and job or job place but from what I've heard most are extremely happy with the new accommodations and while I don't, in any way, care to be a patient I at least look forward to the fact that I now have another choice in the area that is well thought out and replaces a place that many dreaded to go. Now, whereas many are forced to choose ECM due to the available options in the area, the improvements have made that choice or option much easier and accommodating. North Alabama Medical Center is, and will be, my choice if I ever find myself having to seek services that they provide and I also believe that having it here and the improvements that they have made will make it more likely Florence can potentially attract more physicians who before may have chosen other areas due to the resources that are available.