During planning and programming, HFG coordinated extensive lean design charrettes, including creating full-scale cardboard mockups of departments inside an empty aircraft hangar. The resulting layout maximizes interdepartmental efficiencies by positioning inpatient beds, OB, surgery, and the emergency department near each other. This configuration bolsters the OB department with nearby surgery capabilities, enables the inpatient wing to function as an extension of the ED during mass casualty events, and allows for the rapid transfer of admitted ED patients into emergency surgery. This is particularly important because Colby’s geographic location makes it a treatment nexus for traffic accident victims. Similar attention was given to workflow patterns as the design separates the previously mentioned inpatient, critical areas from more public-facing outpatient departments and clinics.
In addition to natural daylighting provided by glazed glass walls and clerestories in the main corridors, the facility features a rooftop healing garden adjacent to cancer treatment areas. Finally, by designing a façade with stone, brick, and self-weathering metal panels, HFG created an exterior that will remain timeless and establish Citizens Medical Center as a landmark for healthcare in the region.
