NICU DESIGNED BY GS&P COMPLETED, PROVIDING EXPANDED SERVICES TO COMMUNITY

Fla., July 02, 2018 — Jacksonville, Fla. – July 2, 2018 - Gresham, Smith and Partners announces the completion of the NICU at Florida Hospital Altamonte. The new NICU includes 10 private patient rooms, a family lounge and nesting room and prioritizes the patient experience to create a calming environment for patients and families.

After a 2014 GS&P-designed renovation of the OB unit, Florida Hospital Altamonte asked GS&P to conduct a study that would identify solutions to expand neonatal services in order to serve high-risk pregnancies within the existing hospital. As a result, GS&P and Florida Hospital Altamonte decided to renovate existing medical and surgery space into a Level II NICU. GS&P is also leading design for the final phase of this project supporting Florida Hospital Altamonte’s neonatal services, which will update and renovate the well-baby nursery and support spaces.

“We’re pleased to bring exceptional care for newborn babies and their families to the community and to provide a safe environment where it’s possible for babies to grow and develop until they are ready to go home from the hospital,” said Dr. Rajan Wadhawan, chief medical officer and medical director of neonatology at Florida Hospital for Children. “Having a child in the NICU can be a stressful time for families, and it’s important they have access to these services close to home.”

The interior finishes complement those found in the hospital, but form the NICU’s own unique identity. The spalike color palette, wood tones and artwork establish a tranquil, healing environment.

“We are excited to be a part of the concerted effort by Florida Hospital Altamonte to bring together and expand neonatal services and the new NICU is a critical piece,” said Joseph C. Bucci, AIA, NCARB, senior architect, Gresham, Smith and Partners. “Through thoughtful planning and design the new space advances the human experience and patient safety.”

The new NICU houses a nesting room where parents can spend the night alone with their child – but with easy access to nurses – before discharge to achieve greater comfort caring for their baby and ease the transition to home life. A family lounge is for the exclusive use of NICU families and includes a kitchen, space to relax and TV/entertainment. There is also an adjacent shower and toilet room so that families can stay near their baby.

Each patient room is equipped with telemetry monitoring inside the room, on the headwall, as well as outside of the room in the nursing alcoves. This integrated technology allows nurses to monitor the babies’ vitals without entering the room and disturbing the patients and their families. The facility also features the baby security system, HUGS, and the nurses station is located at the entrance providing additional oversight and security.

GS&P’s dedicated Healthcare staff approach each project through the lens of Value-Added Design. Value-Added Design is a dynamic, holistic framework in which teams explore and define what is important to clients with a focus on key performance indicators: patient safety; operational efficiencies; integration of technology; adaptability/resiliency; healthy, sustainable buildings; and human experience through evidence-based design. This approach gives clients the opportunity to assess and prepare for inevitable market shifts.

About Florida Hospital for Children:

Florida Hospital’s extensive NICU network, comprised of 150 beds at five hospital campuses, is part of Florida Hospital for Children. FHFC is committed to delivering world class programs, extraordinary patient care and clinical excellence. Our flagship hospital is the heart of a children’s network that includes primary care pediatricians, specialty clinics, emergency departments and Kids Urgent Care. With the help of Walt Disney Imagineering and input from patients, families and clinicians, Florida Hospital for Children features a seven-story, technologically advanced facility with a child-centered healing environment. We’ve assembled a world-class team of doctors, specialists, nurses and healthcare professionals who are second to none. At their disposal are some of the most advanced technologies, therapies and treatments available.
We lead the way, not only in our approach to healthcare, but in research as well, finding new methods for treating children so we can improve outcomes. One of the premier children’s health systems in the nation, Florida Hospital for Children sets the standard for innovation, quality and comprehensive care.

About Gresham, Smith and Partners:

GS&P is a privately held firm of architects, engineers, interior designers and planners creating design and consulting solutions for the built environment. Our more than 800 employees are committed to building value with our clients as trusted advisors and to making positive social, economic and environmental impacts in our communities. In 2017, GS&P proudly celebrates 50 years in business. We look forward to continuing to serve our clients while fostering the professional and personal growth of our employees. For more information regarding GS&P, visit www.greshamsmith.com.