Baptist Medical Center South

Looking to expand its circle of care to serve the rapidly growing neighborhoods in southern Duval and northern St. Johns counties, Baptist Health tasked Gresham Smith to design the Baptist Medical Center South replacement hospital.

Focusing on patient safety, healing environments, emerging technologies, efficiencies and the ability for future expansions and adaptations, the design concepts embrace current trends in healthcare by facilitating healing through the integration of nature and direct family support. The quality of daylight throughout the facility sets it apart from other hospital designs, further reinforcing the focus of creating a park-like healing environment enjoyed by patients, families, staff and physicians.

The hospital also provides extensive features for family and patient comfort. Features include healing libraries in all units, individual bedside thermostatic control, bedside control of powered window treatments, in-room DVD players and music channels, bedside internet access for patients and families, laundry and cooking facilities on each floor and in-room sleeper sofas for family members. Strategically dispersed staffing stations bring staff closer to patients and foster an improved sense of openness between caregiver and patients/family.

Music played throughout the grounds, walking paths, water features and the pavilion located along the water’s edge greet patients and their families as they approach the hospital grounds. Soothing, warm finishes minimize anxiety and provide a sense of comfort and quality. A continuous two-floor concourse along the front of the hospital optimizes wayfinding and serves as an access point to outpatient services, public waiting, surgery, dining and the medical office buildings.

Since opening the new facility, patient and family satisfaction scores have risen, and BMCS won an IIDA Form Award for Healthcare in recognition of its evidence-based design attributes. BMCS is Jacksonville’s first hospital of the 21st century and a Magnet™ hospital, the highest honor a health care organization can receive for excellence in patient care.