Williamson Medical Center

Williamson Medical Center
Nashville, Tenn. 

In the waiting and reception area, the feel of the furnishings is very “Southern hospitality” with the use of woods and warmer colors, and soft lighting in lieu of a lot of cold, fluorescent fixtures. “We use carpet often in these areas to make it a softer, more acoustically quieter room for the patients and their families,” Burnette points out. For the artwork, regional artists were showcased. 

The nurse station is centrally located within the facility so PACU (in the background) and the majority of the prep and staging beds located to the right (in the foreground) are visible. The station and the associated staffing is very efficient to operate out of one hub to support both sides, so as to not necessitate separate staffing, according to Sam W. Burnette, AIA, senior designer/principal with Nashville, Tenn.-based Earl Swensson Associates. 

“What makes the Williamson facility cost effective is that every square foot is highly utilized for patient care and direct support. Very few support services required space within the ASC suite.” As in this example, one unit is designed to easily cover all areas, “which is best for slower periods when the center is not functioning at its peak time,” Burnette adds.

For more on the Williamson Medical Center project, visit www.surgicenteronline.com/articles/special_issues/567_571feat2.html.