THE OPPORTUNITY

The vision of Inspira Health was to significantly reduce patient wait times in their Emergency Department. Faced with an expected increase in patient visits they realized the need to expand their existing department. With a large percentage of their expected growth being patients that were sixty -five and older, their focus was placed on their specific needs. In addition, they saw the expansion as an opportunity to increase visitor satisfaction, privacy, and comfort.

THE CHALLENGE

The Senior Emergency Department Expansion was to be constructed over an existing “Garden Level” story and adjacent to the existing Emergency Department waiting and registration areas. Renovations to the existing department included linking the expansion to the Pediatric Emergency Department. Complete department shut-down was not an option. Three construction phases with shifting infection control measures were required to maintain occupancy and circulation throughout the entire construction process.

THE PS&S SOLUTION

The addition and renovation will expand Inspira’s ED capacity by eleven Exam Bays. Support for the expansion includes a large Waiting Room with a dedicated senior waiting area. Natural light floods into these spaces through south and east facing glass, daylighting-panel walls. Two new Triage and Registration Rooms bring those functions close to the Waiting and Exam Area. Finishes, lighting, and sound control were thoughtfully selected and implemented to accommodate the specific needs of the senior visitor. Direct connections to existing corridors minimizes staff circulation.