DiGiorgio Associates serves as architect and engineer for Winchester Hospital addition

Last month Winchester Hospital celebrated the grand opening of its new ambulatory surgery center, as well as continuing its celebration of the 100th anniversary of the hospital and its 2nd Century Campaign. DiGiorgio Associates Inc. (DAI) served as the architect and engineer for this new 31,200 s/f ambulatory surgery center. The facility is set to open to patients next month and will offer comprehensive services to meet the increased demand for outpatient surgical services as well as alleviate pressure on the operating rooms at the hospital's main campus. The new building is located approximately one mile from the hospital's main campus and houses four class "C" operating rooms, a radiographic room, a preadmission testing suite with two blood draw stations and four exam rooms, clinical support services, a lobby and a café. Surgery areas at this new facility include orthopedics, ear/nose/throat, gynecology, podiatry and urology. The building lobby features a curved ceiling and front desk, stone tile flooring, wood panels and natural light. Seating is arranged in small clusters to promote privacy. The interior design intent was to create a hotel-like environment to reduce stress and enhance relaxation for patients and families. The hospital registered this project with the USGBC and anticipates a LEED Gold rating. Sustainable features include high efficiency heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems, water efficient plumbing fixtures and a light color roof to reduce the heat island effect. Exterior light fixtures were selected to limit light pollution and non-potable water is used for irrigation. Interior finishes and materials have high recyclable contents, made of certified wood and rapid renewable materials. DAI has been working with Winchester Hospital for over a decade to help them meet the needs associated with the constantly changing healthcare industry and is proud to continue the affiliation on this and other new projects.