Healthcare institutions face many challenges today, including declining reimbursements, rising costs and growing demand for services. To address these issues, providers are streamlining operations and finding innovative ways to efficiently meet the needs of patients. They are looking to the design, sustainability, and functionality of the healthcare facilities to ensure patients receive the best possible care and experience in the most cost effective manner.
Mortenson Construction conducted a survey of over 300 professionals at the 2011 Fall Healthcare Design Conference. Despite the difficult economy, three in four heathcare institution respondents expect their organization’s construction activity to increase over the next two years, with 27% describing the increase as substantial. 70% of the survey participants indicated that their institutions will pursue LEED or other sustainability certifications on these new projects. Respondents overwhelmingly believe that better facilities strengthen their institution by improving patient experience, staff effectiveness, and staff retention. Aesthetic design was noted as a key factor affecting patient experience and care.
StoneLite® panels address aesthetic concerns by giving the architect and designer freedom to select from thousands of stone choices, different colors and textures and many size options. Elegant stone finishes can be incorporated into extraordinary architectural details including cornices, balconies, cantilever structures, large free-span ceilings, soffits, curved structures and more. What is more, StoneLite® panels are easy and cost effective to install. By utilizing fewer natural resources they also contribute to sustainability and provide LEED credit.
For these reasons and more, StoneLite® panels have been widely used in the construction and renovation of healthcare facilities. When Shawnee Mission Medical Center (SMMC), a Kansas City area hospital, chose to expand its Critical Care Center a few years ago, Stone Panels, Inc. was chosen for the job.
With HMN Architects, Inc. and J.E. Dunn Construction, Stone Panels, Inc. completed the project that encompassed 13,300 square feet of Gascogne Beige Limestone from Portugal assembled in a running bond with multiple course heights.
Due to the success of the expansion, Stone Panels, Inc. will now be a part of building the new Shawnee Mission Birth Center, which is scheduled to open in early 2013. The architect on the project is Hoefer Wysock Architects, L.L.C., and United Excel is the construction manager. The new birth center will include 10,000 square feet of Gascogne Beige Limestone from Portugal, arranged in a pattern similar to the Critical Care Center Services building.
A well thought out design with aesthetically based elements affects patients’ experience and care. Stone Panels, Inc. embraces the challenge of pursuing these goals to bring the best experience to the patient.
