*This project example is the professional experience of Charles Clauser and Stephen Sgro while principals of CSC Architects.

AtlantiCare requested services to analyze their outpatient behavioral health functions and consolidate their facilities to one of two locations. The goals of the consolidation were to improve patient services, reduce operating costs, improve efficiencies, safety, and improve name identification throughout the community. The feasibility study was used to determine the best location and realignment of the behavioral health groups involved in the consolidation. The groups included adult outpatient, adult partial care, child services, and administration services.

Specific characteristics of each group were used as a basis of the study including: arrival/departure characteristics, the type of treatment needed, staffing, food services required, length of treatment, parking and transportation of patients, and patient and staff safety. In addition, the sites were analyzed to determine which provided the best solution to separate the adult and child populations.

The study included multiple existing facility surveys and analysis, interviews with key personnel, space programming, code investigation, construction cost estimates, project timelines, and site analysis.

A feasibility update was generated bringing revised client goals and site information into accord. The final recommendations were approved by AtlantiCare and the consolidation moved forward.