NORMAN — Patients at Norman Regional Hospital come from many places — Purcell to Ada and even as far as Gainesville, Texas. With them come their family members, who are often unfamiliar with the area and have no place to stay. To alleviate the stress these family members face, Norman Regional has the Hospitality House, which offers convenient, affordable, overnight accommodations for out-of-town families.
Opened in April 2002, the Hospitality House is getting a new look and a new name in March. The remodel was made possible by the generosity of the family whose mother was a driving force in the Hospitality House’s creation.
Doris Luttrell was a nurse and volunteer at Norman Regional Hospital. Her husband was longtime administrator Richard Luttrell, and the idea for the Hospitality House came from his hospitalization, daughter, Anne Luttrell said.
“Shortly after our dad retired, he had a heart attack and bypass surgery at Baptist Hospital. He took weeks to recover and my mom stayed in one of their hospitality suites,” Anne said. “She realized then how important that was to have some place to rest and shower that was close when you lived miles from the hospital.”
Doris worked to make the Hospitality House at Norman Regional a reality. Her children Richard and Anne wanted to honor their mother’s memory with a $20,000 gift to remodel the Hospitality House.
“We are giving this money to honor both our parents in the hopes that the Hospitality House can give tired family members a soft spot to fall for a long time to come,” Anne said.
Wendy Fiebrich, director of volunteer services, said the donation bought new carpet, fresh paint and upgraded furniture.
“Everything is new,” she said.
Norman Regional Health System and the NRH Auxiliary also chose to rename the Hospitality House in memory of Doris Luttrell.
The Doris Luttrell Hospitality House is celebrating its new look and name with a grand opening ceremony from 2 to 4 p.m. March 8. The Hospitality House is directly south of Norman Regional Hospital on Rich Street.
The Hospitality House has eight rooms — one that is handicapped accessible. Each room sleeps up to four people. The cost is $35 per night for two guests and each additional guest is $5. It also offers cable television, a garden patio and guest laundry facilities. To check room availability, call 307-6691.
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