Oakes Community Hospital

Oakes, ND

The owner's goals for this replacement Critical Access Hospital were to create a technology-driven state-of-the-art community hospital facility. The hospital balances efficiency and technology to create a nurturing healing environment for the community.

The design helps reduce stress for patients, families, and staff through a variety of strategies. Space is created in patient rooms and inpatient areas for families to gather, and provide support and assistance in patient recovery. Clear and simple wayfinding reduces confusion and stress. Public areas and staff areas are separate, allowing staff much-needed "down time" for relaxation and renewal.

Private consultation spaces are provided to separate grieving families from the public and other patients. Ample views of nature and daylight are integrated into the spaces, to support the healing process. Noise from a variety of sources, including machines, equipment and nurse stations, can be disruptive, and the design responds by minimizing noise in patient areas. Patient privacy is optimized throughout the facility.

Departments were designed to optimize reimbursement under Critical Access rules. The hospital was designed to be flexible in the future — to allow departments to be expanded without relocation, and new services to be added without disrupting existing areas. For security and staffing, the number of entrances is minimal: visitor and outpatient, emergency, and service/employee.