Kahler Slater was selected by Western Wisconsin Health to master plan a new rural critical access hospital campus and more, to “establish a community hub for health and wellness.” The new campus provides outpatient clinics, a wellness center, rehab therapy, imaging, surgery, lab, pharmacy, medical/surgical inpatient beds, critical care, obstetrics and emergency services.

Innovations in collaborative care and flex spaces were explored to improve efficiency and patient care. Unique clinical design features include prep/recovery rooms designed to flex back and forth as additional ED rooms are needed, as well as an innovative clinic model employing off-stage-care team collaboration zones that have direct access to exam rooms, with separate patient exam room entry from the patient corridor. The fitness/wellness center is designed to be integrated with the hospital and clinic facilities to transform the delivery of rural health care and the patient experience.

Going far beyond the initial health and wellness campus, the overall plan includes senior housing, assisted living, skilled nursing, allied health education, community gardens and renewable energy systems. The design achieved a LEED for Healthcare Silver level of certification, using smart building siting, geothermal heating and cooling, locally sourced construction materials, LED lighting, and native landscape.