Located on the second floor of the Billings Clinic, directly above the Emergency and Trauma Center, the new Philip N and Mary Alice Fortin ICU would be spread over 31,000ft2 of space, which is more than half the size of a football field.
The ICU will feature 24 private patient rooms, with each room more than twice the size of the current; and 155ft2 ICU rooms, said Billing Gazette.
The design by A&E Architects is patient-centric with improved décor, greater privacy, reduced environmental stressors, natural surroundings, and greater patient control over tasks and information.
Each room will feature private bathrooms and a designated area, with sleeping accommodations and a work space to facilitate greater interaction.
Large exterior windows are included in each room to enable infiltration of natural light and provide outside view of the Rimrocks and the Deaconess Healing Garden.
The rooms will also feature beds to provide 360-degree access to patients, peaceful artwork, and noise-reducing measures and materials. Soothing colours will further enhance the healing process.
As reported in Billing Gazette, the ICU will feature new technology, a satellite pharmacy and a sanctuary, individual waiting areas, a family consultation area, a kitchenette, a play area, a fireplace, and sleeping rooms for physicians.
In addition, a room is being included for large family meetings, education classes, and multidisciplinary team meetings.
As told to the magazine, the new unit will also act as a classroom for the Clinic’s newly accredited internal medicine residency program, which will begin in July 2014.
It will cater to critical-care patients from the remote corners of Montana, Wyoming and North Dakota.
Jones Construction Co. of Billings is the general contractor for the project.
