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Good Samaritan Remodel
The photos shown here highlight an inspired project that took place in one of my favorite towns – Portland, Oregon. The Legacy Good Samaritan Emergency Department (ED) remodel inspires me because the architects, designers, administration and staff accomplished a very difficult thing. They managed to keep the emergency room open while the remodel was taking place. Not an easy thing to do!
History
Built in the 1970s, Legacy Good Samaritan is well-known in Portland for its outstanding care. Nicknamed “Good Sam”, this hospital couldn’t have a better reputation.
Good Sam is a nationally acclaimed medical center that is home to many of Legacy Health’s highly specialized care. Good Sam is not only known for its renowned physicians and cutting edge technology, it is also a dedicated community partner to the neighborhood it has called home for the past 140+ years. From the strong partnerships with schools and faith-based organizations to the numerous wellness programs and health screenings offered throughout the year, Legacy Good Samaritan is committed to making Portland a better, healthier place to live.
Stats
The Emergency Department (ED) sees 30,000 patient visits a year, with more than 20% of its patients over the age of 65. As an urban hospital, patients suffering from routine illness, with no access to primary or urgent care, were treated alongside critically ill patients. As a solution, they elected to build Oregon’s first ever Urgent Care inside an ED.
As the institution embarked on the remodel of its ED, it wanted to create an atmosphere that is calming and promotes healing – particularly among geriatric patients.
The Remodel
A complete gut-and-remodel of the space was required in order to accomplish its goal of providing a flexible environment that would accommodate the critically ill alongside with less accute patients. It was important to the administration to offer private, “right-sized” rooms for Urgent and Emergent Care, Behavioral Health and Senior patients. Right sized rooms is becoming more of a popular trend in healthcare design as administrators turn their focus more to patient orientated care and experience. Also, because it lends well to multipurpose space allowing more flexibility to tackle the changing demands of everyday care.
The trickiest thing about the Good Sam remodel is that it all had to be accomplished while providing uninterrupted emergency care at the hospital.
Features
The new design features an updated exterior entrance that welcomes patients upon arrival with a convenient drop-off and covered walkway, and activates the street with its presence. If you have spent anytime in Portland, you know that a covered drop-off and walkway is an important element to keep people dry.
Natural light is brought into the previously windowless ED by cutting windows into existing exterior masonry walls, creating views into the healing garden. The interiors bring a sense of calm to the visitor through the use of natural materials, color and lighting. Local artists have their pieces displayed throughout the hospital to help distract, calm and inspire patients.
Decentralized nursing stations are more convenient and offer a space that lends well to team collaboration. Way Finding techniques were installed to help patients and families navigate with ease. Local artists display their art on corridor walls, patient rooms and in waiting areas.
Outcome
Good Sam’s ED is Oregon’s first Urgent Care located within an Emergency Department. It now is a more modern, multi-faceted, and efficient space.
Sources:
- http://www.legacyhealth.org/locations/hospitals/legacy-good-samaritan-medical-center.aspx
- http://www.healthcaredesignmagazine.com/article/legacy-good-samaritan
- images: Pete Eckert
