Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center: a case study
Nestled in the heart of Athens, Georgia, the Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center stands as a cornerstone of healthcare, extending its reach to patients from across 17 counties in northeast Georgia. In an effort to improve accessibility and navigation within its campus, Piedmont Athens collaborated with Smithgroup to execute a phased renovation project.
Completed in April 2022, these enhancements mark a significant advancement in patient care at the medical center. The improvements encompass expanded outpatient services, the addition of 128 private patient rooms, upgraded wayfinding systems, and a more streamlined workflow tailored to support the medical center's patient-centric care model.
What was the design vision for the space?
Located within a residential district, the lower levels of the tower were purposefully recessed to fashion a warm and inviting "front porch" ambiance, creating a harmonious blend between institutional and community spaces. This welcoming setting has been leveraged to host a variety of neighborhood-centric activities, including farmers' markets, food trucks, and community wellness events, fostering connectivity and engagement within the surrounding community.
Adopting a biophilic design ethos, the renovation project incorporated nature-inspired elements throughout the space. This approach, characterized by patterns, forms, and materials reminiscent of natural landscapes, served to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor environments, creating a serene and healing atmosphere for patients, caregivers, and family members alike.
How was design used to improve care?
To minimize the distance required to access essential supplies, Smithgroup implemented universally designed, point-of-care workstations and support alcoves to bring caregivers closer to patients. Workstations are positioned to offer a direct line of sight into patient rooms, promoting efficient monitoring and facilitating prompt intervention when necessary. Additionally, collaboration spaces situated nearby facilitate seamless communication and teamwork among care teams, further enhancing the delivery of care.
Products included:
Lisa Hoffmann boasts over two decades of extensive experience within the healthcare industry. Her expertise lends a distinct perspective to the healthcare interior selection. As a healthcare specialist at Carolina since 2015, Lisa is exceptionally equipped to provide tailored consultancy services. She remains committed to delivering client-centric solutions, leveraging diverse healthcare budgeting tools, products, and services to ensure top-notch execution of the specification and procurement process.