Healthcare Design - September 2016 - 55
A B OV E , L E FT: The footwall was designed to organize the patient's view to create a clean, relaxing aesthetic. The wall includes a flat-screen panel and offers space for patient personalization, including a magnetized wall panel. The countertop was designed to be at desk height, and the nurse board was integrated into the wall panel. A B OV E : The corridors create movement with soft cove lighting that follows the curves in the flooring design. The patient room entry is inset to create a front-porch concept and incorporates the nurses' charting station. L E FT: The setting aims to be comforting and to reduce patient anxiety with soft lines, soothing colors, and natural textures. months, the design team conceived of an easy way for them to get some fresh air. From the fourth floor up, where patient rooms begin, every other level has a 150-square-foot balcony, accessible from the hallway and shared by staff, visitors, and patients, says Mohammad Alai, senior project manager at Florida Hospital's office of design and construction. An attractive feature for long-term patients in particular, the balconies presented architects with the dual challenge of fostering a safe and cool environment even during most of Florida's warmer months. The balconies are positioned on every other floor because high ceilings allow hot air to rise; a balcony on every floor would be more likely to trap hot air against the next-floor balcony, and alternate floors allow more room for circulation and heat dissipation. An 8-foot-high, impact-resistant glass railing permits unobstructed views, while two wooden benches anchored to the floor each seat three people. To further ensure patient safety, Alai says, the balconies are equipped with cameras that provide a constant live video feed to the nurses' stations. two segments, with inpatient breast care moving in the fourth quarter of 2016, and the NICU relocating in the first quarter of 2017. Overall, much thought went into creating an updated facility tailored to the modern woman. Access to the restorative aspects of nature-gentle balcony breezes coupled with picturesque views-are in keeping with the hospital's mission to help female patients heal in mind, body, and spirit. MORE TO COME Susan Kreimer is a freelance medical writer in New York. She can be reached at T O P N O T C H R E P O R T E R @ YA H O O . C O M . A second phase of construction calls for gynecologic surgery and oncology beds, a surgical suite, and a NICU. The phase is being carried out in SEPTEMBER 2016 55
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