St. Luke’s University Health Network Cardiac Care Unit
Project Type: Healthcare
Location: Bethlehem, PA
Services: Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design
Size: 19,850 sF
Highland Associates was selected to provide Architecture, MEP/S Engineering and Interior Design services for the 19,850 sq. ft. Cardiac Care Unit (CCU) expansion at St. Luke’s University Health Network in Bethlehem, PA. The third floor housed existing patient rooms, a nursery, nursery support area, and general support areas. This renovation resulted in twelve new Cardiac Care Patient Rooms, fifteen new acute-care step down patient rooms, a new nurse’s station, new support spaces for the cardiac/step down rooms, and a new family waiting area.
Approximately half the floor was gutted to create a new Cardiac Care patient care suite. Each patient room takes advantage of the existing windows to provide ample natural light and views. Dimmable multi-function lights and room darkening blinds allow the space to be tailored to individual patient needs. Rooms are standardized for staff efficiency and patient safety. Each room was designed to meet the specialized needs of patients recovering from Cardiac Surgery and the staff supporting the process.
The acute care step down patient rooms maintained the existing room layout to minimize budget impact. The patient headwall was renovated to create convenient access to patient monitoring, electrical receptacles and medical gases. The existing handwashing sink was replaced with a new solid surface counter and integral sink featuring an offset drain for infection prevention. New wall protection, ceiling and millwork finishes were selected to compliment the existing flooring. Toilet room fixtures were replaced in their current location as a cost savings measure. An additional nurse call duty station was added on the footwall to provide staff the ability to efficiently cancel a nurse call and reduce impact on patients and families.
The interior design features natural wood tones and a calm color palette to support patients and families during their recovery process. Natural light, the use of glass storefront, and pops of color in the furniture and artwork bring interest and a sense of positivity throughout the unit.
Modifications were made to the existing power wiring, fire alarm, nurse call, medical gas alarm wiring, HVAC equipment wiring, conduit, lighting, data, and signal for the renovated area. The plumbing work involved domestic hot, hot return, and cold-water piping, medical gas piping, medical gas area alarms, waste and vent piping, fixtures, and sprinkler layout for these areas. The HVAC systems for the 3rd and 4th floor were upgraded including ductwork, verification of air quantities, design for the required air changes, required dampers, and required boxes.
