In January 2008 Dublin Methodist, the first new, full-service hospital to be built in central Ohio since 1984, opened its doors. This new 325,000-square-foot, 94-bed acute care hospital is expandable to 300 rooms if demand increases in the rapidly growing northwest corner of central Ohio. This facility boasts innovative, patient-centered design, state-of-the-art technology, and a near-paperless environment.
Some of the patient and caregiver-friendly concepts incorporated into Dublin Methodist include:
- All private rooms - big enough for patients, families and caregivers. Private rooms reduce stress, reduce the chance of infection and improve confidentiality.
- Acuity adaptable rooms - every room can be converted to any level of care so the patient doesn't have to move.
- Like-handed rooms - all rooms are designed and laid out exactly the same way. What's on the left in one room will be on the left in the next room, reducing patient care errors.
- No restrictions on family visiting hours
- Pull-out sofa beds for guests who stay overnight
- Greeters and kiosk registration simplify the check-in procedure.
- Interior courtyards allow natural light to reach nearly 90 percent of all spaces.
- Rooftop gardens allow you to "step away" from the hospital environment for a moment.
- Windows in patient rooms partially open for fresh air.
- No basement in the facility so employees will not be "underground" during their shift.
- Staff work stations are decentralized and open to bring caregivers closer to their patients.
- Large waiting areas with comfortable seating and outdoor views
- Waterfall and trees in lobby
- Natural materials wherever possible and natural color schemes for paint and furniture
The $150 million hospital was designed by Karlsberger and built by Elford/Gilbane Building Company.
Dublin and Karlsberger are tracking the costs associated with incorporating Evidence-Based Design features in the hospital and will examine the outcomes post occupancy.
Other studies under consideration include the impact of same handed patient room on medical errors and the impact of window views on patient outcomes.