West Chester - The Health Alliance released architectural plans and renderings of its 370,000 square-foot hospital under way in West Chester, the West Chester Medical Center, at a July 18 groundbreaking ceremony. The West Chester Medical Center is the first full-service hospital to be built from the ground up in Greater Cincinnati in more than 25 years.
When the 160-bed hospital opens in late 2008, it will offer a wide array of surgical, outpatient and imaging services as well as a full-service emergency department. A 90,000 square-foot medical office building will also open in late 2008. The $207 million facility will bring over 800 new jobs to the area at the time of opening.
Construction mobilization will begin in early August at the hospital site, which is located just off the I-75 exit of Tylersville Road in West Chester. Architects for the project are Dallas-based RTKL. Mortenson Messer Healthcare Construction is the construction manager.
"Patients and families will be at the heart of our care," says Carol A. King, senior vice president of West Chester Medical Center. "Starting with the architectural layout, every aspect of the hospital is being developed to maximize patient and family comfort and convenience."
The hospital's architectural design concentrates on patient-focused care. The facility has been arranged so that related medical services are clustered together, making them more accessible to both patients and staff. For example, imaging services are located next to the emergency department. Outpatient services will be easily accessible to visitors, with a ground floor location.
A clear visual organization will help visitors easily find their destinations. When visitors step inside the hospital's circular rotunda entrance, they will be able to readily see or locate the direction of their destination. A simple radial arc located just off the circular rotunda will provide easy access to the hospital's diagnostic and treatment areas.
Keeping pace with the predicted growth of Butler and Warren counties, the West Chester Medical Center architectural plan was developed for future growth to a 300-bed hospital. An additional bed tower, medical office building and parking garage are planned for a future date.
Within the hospital, the physical environment will promote a soothing and relaxing feeling. "Research has shown that environment plays an integral role in healing. We're contributing to the healing process by creating a space that enhances both physical and emotional wellness," says King. Stress-relieving alcoves for people to sit will be located throughout the hospital. And a variety of textures and colors will be used to create a warm, comfortable atmosphere.
The hospital will also offer many unique amenities. Among these include a walking path around the site, workout areas for staff and visitors and large, private comfortable patient rooms that will accommodate family members. West Chester Medical Center will provide high-quality care supported by cutting-edge technology.
"The combination of the latest advances in medical technology and the creative use of evidence-based design will provide an environment that is patient-sensitive and a great place to work," says King. "When it comes to excellent medical care, West Chester Medical Center is reinventing every aspect of the patient experience and setting the standard for the hospital of tomorrow."
The Health Alliance is an integrated health care delivery system that includes The Christ Hospital, The University Hospital, The St. Luke Hospitals, The Jewish Hospital, The Fort Hamilton Hospital, Drake Center, West Chester Medical Center, and the physicians of Alliance Primary Care. To view other Health Alliance news releases, go to www.health-alliance.com/pressroom .
- 30 -
