The Transformation of Inova Mount Vernon Hospital

Inova Mount Vernon Hospital celebrated a watershed moment in its history when it formally dedicated the new Mark and Brenda Moore Patient Tower on December 9, 2014, at an event celebrated by the Moores, their family and friends, community leaders and Inova employees.

The Mark and Brenda Moore Patient Tower is evidence of the hospital campus’s continued expansion to better meet the needs of the Mount Vernon community and provide an enhanced patient experience to those requiring care there.

The new patient tower provides the following:

• Three additional floors for inpatient care
• All private rooms, with unique space in each room for the patient, family and caregivers
• An expansion of Inova Joint Replacement Center, which now has its own gym as well as more efficient space for post-surgical care
• A dedicated gymnasium, cognitive suites and a patient living area in Inova Rehabilitation Center

The tower is named for longtime Inova supporters Mark and Brenda Moore, who provided Inova Health Foundation with the $2 million lead gift to launch the $4 million fundraising campaign for the new tower.

Their connection to Inova Mount Vernon Hospital is a personal one. Back in May 2007, Mark suffered a vertebral artery dissection — a tear of the lining in the artery leading to his brain. A resulting clot caused a stroke, leaving him without the use of his left side and unable to walk. After a month of hospitalization, he was admitted to Inova Rehabilitation Center at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital.

Mark began the long journey of recovery, accompanied every step of the way by Brenda and his team of caregivers at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital.

“We can’t say enough about the phenomenal people who helped us get back on our feet,” Brenda says. “We are forever grateful and consider them part of our extended family.”

Recalling his own patient experience, Mark dedicated the new patient tower “in honor of the physicians, nurses and staff of Inova Mount Vernon Hospital and to all future patients who will benefit from the wonderful care rendered here.”

The importance of philanthropy is evident throughout the tower. The new gymnasium on the Rehabilitation Unit was made possible through the generosity of Mike and Teresa Wheeler. Two of the Central Team Stations, the primary workspace for nurses, therapists and other clinicians, have been provided by James and Juliette McNeil. Earl and Amanda Stafford have contributed a new Day Room in Inova Rehabilitation Center, providing space for patients to visit with their family and friends.

Inova Mount Vernon Hospital Auxiliary, Inova Mount Vernon Medical staff and Mount Vernon Rehabilitation Medicine Associates also made special contributions.

Many other members of the Mount Vernon community, including businesses, community organizations and hospital staff also contributed to the campaign. Patient rooms have been named by Barney and Jimmi Barnwell, Barbara Doyle, Emcare Inc., Peggy McLeland and Frank Paca.

“Without the philanthropic support of the entire Mount Vernon community, this new patient tower would not have been possible,” says Inova Mount Vernon Hospital CEO Deborah Addo. “We are grateful to Mark and Brenda Moore, and all of our donors for continuing to inspire us all with their enormous hearts and generous spirit.”

Focus on the Future — Emergency Department Campaign

Building on the success of the Mark and Brenda Moore Patient Tower, Inova Mount Vernon Hospital leadership is actively planning for phase two of the hospital′s major growth project — the expansion of its Emergency Department. Inova estimates that more than 41,000 people will seek emergency care at the hospital this year.

The Inova Mount Vernon Hospital Emergency Department expansion will increase both the number of treatment rooms — from 20 to 35 — and the size of the rooms. The new facility will be designed with a family-friendly focus; a special children’s play area is planned.

Local businessman Jeff Veatch, whose ties to Mount Vernon go back to his days in elementary school, has pledged $2 million toward the Emergency Department renovation and expansion. His gift was set up as a matching gift, and as the community offers its philanthropic support to the project, Veatch′s gift will match up to $2 million.

“Everyone can give. No matter how big or how small the donation, I want everyone to have the ability to participate and to know they are making a difference in improving access to emergency care in our own community,” Veatch says.

Support the Campaign

For more information on how to support the Inova Mount Vernon Emergency Department campaign, visit www.inova.org/mountvernonER, or contact Judy Bilicki, Executive Director, Eastern Region, Inova Health Foundation, at 703.504.7770 or judy.bilicki@inova.org.