SLAM provided planning, design, pre-construction, estimating and construction management for a 35,000 SF freestanding ambulatory surgery center that features six orthopedic ORs with complete on-site sterile processing, a distinctive 26 bay Pre / Post-op area, pain management, business offices and a welcoming, double height reception and lobby area that initiates a carefully planned patient experience that extends throughout the facility.
![[logo]](https://slamcoll.com/wp-content/themes/sub151-SLAM/resources/images/logo-only.png){kind=logo}
at-a-glance
The joint venture of Trinity New England-Saint Francis Hospital, Lighthouse Surgeons (a group of orthopedic and spine surgeons) and Woodland Anesthesiology Associates were looking to build a new outpatient orthopedic surgery center that could meet the needs of a growing patient population. They wanted a free standing facility that was designed for the specific and unique requirements of orthopedic & spine surgery and related pain management, under one roof, in a same-day care setting close to the St. Francis Hospital campus. The building site presented several challenges including existing facilities relocations, poor soils, abatement and drainage.
SLAM worked closely with the clients to coordinate the many stakeholder needs and keep the project running smoothly and within budget. The integration of design and construction allowed for innovation, flexibility and responsiveness during the construction process. Early phasing included site enabling, abatement and occupant relocation during the approval period. The design and construction also incorporated the utilization of pre-fabricated steel wall panels which allowed framing fabrication to proceed concurrently with the foundation installation, expediting the schedule.
The new surgery center was built on an existing site within the occupied St. Francis hospital campus. The hospital needed to relocate multiple buildings and occupants. This included the relocation of physician resident housing, maintenance and daycare facilities.
The site plan proposed a distinctive drop-off canopy with wrap-around parking for both patients and staff, and a dedicated delilvery entry that keeps traffic separate from the main entry.
The biggest challenge of the project were the poor soil conditions seen here during the construction of the footings and foundation walls.
The panelized light gauge metal framing exterior wall system, fabricated off-site, fast-tracked the installation time and reduced labor cost.
Pre-fabricated light gauge metal panels were assembled off-site which improved quality control, reduced installation time and created less waste.
From the onset of the project SLAM worked closely with the clients to coordinate the many stakeholder building strong and trusted relationships.
The surgery center was carefully planned for a seamless patient, staff and physician experience. The six ORs are centrally located to minimize distance from the Pre/Post area and supported from the opposite side with decontamination and clean processing spaces. There is a sterile core that connects directly to the backside of the ORs that includes a unique observation room with switchable privacy glass into two of the ORs.
There is an efficient in-the-round Pre/Post-op area connecting these two functions together. It provides a flexible, straight forward clinical flow and patient experience. The distinctive form of the pre/post-op area provides the right balance between visualization, privacy, and support needs.
SLAM’s collaborative team planned, designed and constructed a beautiful, efficient and patient-centered surgery facility that was within budget, ahead of schedule and provides future flexibility for the Health Network, Hospital and physicians group.
The new surgery center registration entry hall welcomes patients and their families with soothing materials, colors and natural light.
The main high ceiling, glassed wall waiting area occupies the south east corner of the building providing a bright and comfortable setting for those waiting for loved ones in surgery.
The center’s waiting areas are bathed in natural light and soothing colors and offer an array of seating options.
The pre and post operation area is designed to promote wellness and serenity. Clear lines of sight, natural light and balanced material and color selection makes for a positive and healing patient and staff experience.
The new state of the art operating rooms are designed for flexibility, modern technology and efficiency.
A novel operating room viewing space with automatic switchable glazing was designed for teaching and observation.
The exterior building materials were designed to uniquely mirror the existing hospital campus’ typology. The Center’s façade includes ashlar cast stone, aluminum framed glass walls, wood plank panels, horizontal sun shade louvers and an exposed steel and glass drop off canopy.
Unique to freestanding surgery centers, is an onsite sterile processing area which reduces the need to transport sterile equipment, keeping safety at the forefront.
![[DT logo]](https://slamcoll.com/wp-content/themes/sub151-SLAM/resources/images/dt-logo-dark.png){kind=logo}
design thinkers blog
