Anna Jacques Hospital, Newburyport, Massachusetts.
Our team undertook the development of a masterplan and high-level space program for a 150-bed community hospital on Massachusetts’ North Shore. This comprehensive masterplan aimed to optimize the hospital’s overall layout, improve operational efficiency, and enhance patient care. Through a thorough analysis of the hospital’s current and projected needs, we identified key areas for development and renovation, ensuring the facility could effectively serve its community both now and in the future. Our approach involved close collaboration with hospital administrators, medical staff, and other stakeholders to gather insights and prioritize improvements.
One of the critical findings of the masterplan was the need to address inefficiencies in the hospital’s Emergency Department (ED). Our analysis revealed that the ED was experiencing significant congestion, particularly with low-acuity patients, which was impacting patient flow and satisfaction. To address this, we programmed and developed conceptual design documents for a ‘Fast Track’ component within the ED. This Fast Track area was specifically designed to accommodate low-acuity patients more efficiently, reducing wait times and freeing up resources for more critical cases. The new design included dedicated spaces for quick assessments and treatments, streamlined patient processing, and improved staff workflows.
The masterplan’s findings highlighted the Fast Track project as a priority renovation. By implementing this targeted improvement, the hospital could smooth out patient flow, significantly reduce wait times, and increase overall patient satisfaction. The Fast Track component not only enhanced the ED’s capacity to handle varying levels of patient acuity but also contributed to a more positive and efficient experience for patients and healthcare providers alike. This project exemplifies how strategic planning and focused design can directly address operational challenges and improve healthcare delivery in a community hospital setting.
Project completed by G. Cavanaugh at Steffian Bradley Architects.
