Lourdes Medical Center of Burlington County WILLINGBORO, NJ

by HCD Guest Author | August 31, 2003

Since 1961, residents of Burlington County, New Jersey, have relied on Lourdes Medical Center of Burlington County for comprehensive inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. The organization retained Granary Associates to provide project management and architecture/interior design services in the development of a three-story, 45,000-square-foot addition.

Connected to the existing hospital via a bridge, the new addition houses same-day surgery preparation and second-stage recovery areas, a new operating suite, and a new 20-bed ICU/CCU area. This unit is dedicated to the care of patients requiring complete monitoring and treatment for a variety of cardiac, medical, surgical, respiratory, and metabolic problems; seven beds are dedicated to the Critical Care Unit, which is intended for care of patients with the diagnosis of unstable or preinfarction angina, myocardial infarction, coronary insufficiency, congestive heart failure, dysrhythmia, or any possible life-threatening event.

Stacking of the building was critical. Specific emphasis was placed on creating a physical experience for the patient and family that would reduce environmental stress. Designing an addition with a dedicated entrance—i.e., separated from the day-to-day staff, visitors, and patient population—created a straightforward traffic flow. On the first floor, outpatient Pre- and Postop are close to the entrance and waiting areas. The ORs are located on the second floor, and the third floor houses the CCU/ICU, with access to the existing facility elevator core via a bridge connection.

Today, this 341-bed community hospital provides technologically advanced diagnostic and treatment services in a caring, close-to-home environment for patients with acute and chronic medical conditions.