Media Center

February 9, 2007

Hudson Valley Hospital Center Plans New Breed of Hospital
Design Factor Proven To Help Patients Get Well

Cortlandt Manor, NY –  When Hudson Valley Hospital Center decided that more space was needed at the facility, and embarked on a major expansion project, it became apparent that the design had to conform to the belief that patient-focused hospital design has a major role in helping patients get better.

The plans for the new patient tower at Hudson Valley Hospital Center in upper Westchester, NY include first and foremost, private rooms throughout.   By configuring the physical structure of HVHC to improve care for patients and their families, reduction of medical errors seem to be an added bonus, as studies indicate.

More natural light, better views, and additional foliage all point to enhancing the patient experience through faster healing, and with less pain.   With more light and space throughout the building, a calming effect is produced and this benefits everyone, including staff.   Placing supplies and smaller nursing stations throughout the facility can free up nurses time for more visits with the patient.  

The new structure, which is being placed right in front of the present one on the campus, will reduce noise and stress, and minimize distractions for the staff.   Long halls, positioning of rooms, light-friendly windows and doors all add to a unique floor plan, which targets Hudson Valley Hospital Center as the hospital of the future.   Groundbreaking is slated for June 2007 with project completion in 2009.

“We already have a reputation for being high-touch, high-tech, but when this multi-million dollar addition is completed, we will have the most modern facility in every aspect of care: architecturally, aesthetically, and medically, including state-of-the art diagnostic equipment.   Upon entering the front door, and all through the building, the eye will capture more of a hotel-like atmosphere, where the whole person is taken into consideration,” states John C. Federspiel, hospital president.  

“The importance of creating a therapeutic environment is carried throughout.   A good example of where the ‘tech and touch’ come together is in the expansion of the operating suites.   The project includes two new specialty operating rooms that are 50% larger than the typical rooms to provide the staff with all of the equipment and supplies proximate to the site of the surgery.   For the patients and their families, the windowless recovery room has been replaced with one where every recovery spot is in a windowed space so that they can awake in a life affirming environment,” states David Ginsberg, principal at Perkins Eastman.

The firms of Perkins Eastman, and Barr & Barr, Inc., experts in healthcare design and construction, both located in New York City are handling this 133,000 square foot major expansion. They have worked together on numerous healthcare projects.   Barr & Barr, Inc., which celebrates their 80 th Anniversary this year, is no stranger to the Westchester area.   Some of their many Westchester projects include: Field Home/Holy Comforter, Northern Westchester Hospital, Lawrence Hospital, Sound Shore Medical Center, White Plains Hospital, Phelps Memorial Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital.   Perkins Eastman clients in Westchester include:   Westchester Medical Center, White Plains Hospital, Phelps Memorial Hospital and Northern Westchester Hospital.