As part of Novant Health’s multi-phase master renovation plan for its’ Forsyth Medical Center campus in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, upgrading the safety features and introducing a contemporary design on the general tower’s inpatient floor were a ‘must do’ on the check list. From the floor to the ceiling, every inch of the space was reconfigured and refreshed, resulting in a space that honors Novant Health’s ties to the community and offers an enhanced experience for patients, visitors and staff.
27
patient rooms
1
floor
20k
square-feet
Right This Way, Please
For the first time in this building’s history, signage and wayfinding were incorporated above the first floor and integrated into the design. The corridors are almost solely reserved for signage and wayfinding—no distracting posters or flyers here—so that patients, family members, and staff can easily locate their destination.
Well, That Sure Looks Familiar
Novant Health has strong ties to the Winston-Salem community and wanted an interior design that highlighted the connection. Our team used large-scale graphics with local imagery, created visually interesting destinations, and added accent walls throughout the space that incorporated lighter tones and various textures.
Staff Centered, Staff Selected, Staff Approved
After an incredibly difficult year battling the COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted to deliver a space that was a morale-booster for the nursing staff and was as efficient as possible. To select the finalized design for the patient rooms, we built two full-scale mock-ups, and then surveyed nursing staff and clinicians to gather their feedback on both the design and additional features.
Refreshing, Yet Revitalizing
While we had to work within the tower’s existing footprint, we said good-bye to the low ceiling height and narrow footprint. Our team found a way to expand the patient rooms and modernize the space to accommodate new technology, increasing functionality. Additionally, we found enough space to create a ‘family-zone’ in each room, complete with a sleeper sofa, so that families can stay with each patient.
Could This Place be Any Safer?
We included traditional safety features, such as placing personal protection equipment storage directly outside patient rooms, patient lifts, and decentralized workspaces, in the design, but we also went above and beyond. Every room has a designated ‘safe-zone’ that is six-feet away from the patient to protect against airborne disease, and a new patient safety signs include space for safety information and other crucial warnings.Gallery
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