As the healthcare sector rapidly evolves, hospitals are upgrading or expanding their facilities to meet the demands of patients. An aging and growing population, increasing patient volume, and deteriorating infrastructure combine with the need to re-define work spaces to increase privacy, ensure patient and workforce safety, and increase efficiencies. The bricks-and–mortar aspect of care is changing as quickly as how care is provided, coordinated, and paid for. Here are a few examples:
UMass Memorial HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital is opening a new emergency department today, increasing the number of patient beds from 24 to 37 and adding new layers of privacy for patients and providers. Clinton Hospital officials say the new layout will improve safety and include a much-needed private behavioral health sector.
Massachusetts General Hospital last week announced plans to build a 12-story complex on its Boston campus in order to expand access, modernize patient rooms, and more efficiently move those waiting in the emergency department into inpatient care. MGH expects the addition to add up to 300 beds, including those for cancer and cardiac care and transplant services. The hospital, with more than 1,000 beds now, is often at full capacity.
Nantucket Cottage Hospital’s new facility will open in mid-February, designed to meet the needs of a patient population that has exponentially grown since the original hospital first opened its doors in 1957. The new building includes 14 new inpatient beds, a second operating room, almost 30 new primary care exam rooms, and expanded labor and delivery services. All funding all funding for the new hospital was raised through private donations.
Melrose-Wakefield Healthcare has won state approval to build a single-story ambulatory surgery center at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Medford. The facility is a necessary part of the hospital’s plan to focus on outpatient services. The ASC addition will provide certain day surgeries, and will expand access to physicians specializing in primary care, cardiology, women’s health, and family medicine.