Unity Hospital at Park Ridge ED
The Emergency Department at Park Ridge was thirty years old and designed for half of the patients it was serving. As a result patient satisfaction was challenged by long waits. “Code Red” status was a frequent occurrence.
The new Center is sized for 45,000 visits which meets current needs and provides for future growth. It facilitates new processes to improve patient through-put. Patient flow is carefully controlled from several entry points: Ambulance Entry, Decontamination Entry and Walk-In Entry. Each portal has its control features and special design elements.
The 34 Treatment Rooms are designed nearly identical throughout. Specialization is subtle for Ortho and GYN patients. The four Trauma Rooms are near Surgery to allow for quick transport. The Department is divided into three teams, each with its complement of rooms. Radiology support for the ED includes a dedicated Rad Room and CT scanner.
The multi-purpose Special Care Unit in the former ED space meets the needs of 23-hour observation, holding, recovery and discharge patients.
The exterior has a number of design elements with strong intent. The bay windows along the Waiting Area create separate but connected seating areas. The canopies at Walk-In and Ambulance provide shelter for discharge/arriving patients and support. The “wayfinding” element atop the penthouse points the way to the ED when seconds count.
The interior communicates a sophisticated yet timeless appearance. A conscious effort was made to design comforting spaces. A skylight in the Waiting Area provides warm natural light.
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