Kahler Slater partnered with Centegra Health (now Northwestern Medicine) to master plan and design a new hospital that meets the expansive growth in the client’s marketplace. Located on an already established ambulatory and wellness campus, the location capitalizes on the existing Health Bridge Wellness Center and ambulatory services along with its proximity to Del Webb retirement community. These connections build upon their overarching concept of a healthy campus, with a special focus on orthopedics and sports medicine.

An extensive master planning effort was needed to assist the hospital in proving the need and gaining approval for their Certificate of Need (CON) from the State of Illinois. Master Planning goals also included capturing the spirit of patient-centered care, creating a true community resource, accommodating significant planned growth over time and complementing the surrounding residential community. Northwestern Medicine's program includes women’s services, surgery, emergency services, cardiology and medical/surgical, obstetrics and intensive care beds.

Based on a “no wait” ED model, the Emergency Department design employs a robust triage process, a results pending lounge and a clinical decision unit (CDU) to keep patients moving toward bedded care or discharge as soon as possible. Emergency facilities include a drive through garage (3 bays), seven treatment, one isolation, three behavioral health and two trauma/ resuscitation rooms that can be combined into one, and are located directly adjacent to CT scan and Imaging services for timely assessment. The Clinical Decision Unit includes five patient rooms, one isolation and two behavioral health observation rooms.

The team was charged with creating an ideal patient, family, physician and staff experience. Evidence-based design, Lean operational efficiency, sustainability and hospitality concepts were central to the design. Repeating team centers heighten opportunities for multi-disciplinary collaboration and coordination while standardized patient bedrooms support family and provide an efficient working environment for staff at the bedside.