New Hanover Regional Medical Center
Inpatient Tower
Rising above an existing surgical pavilion, this 108-bed inpatient tower expansion reimagines the inpatient experience through a seamless integration of patient-centered design, operational innovation, and evidence-based care.
LOCATION Wilmington, NC
COMPLETED 2019
SIZE 134,000 SF
PHOTOGRAPHER Melva Calder
AWARDS ABC Carolinas
Shaping the Care Journey
Large windows fill patient rooms with natural light and views, while dedicated family zones with sleeper sofas and a spacious lounge overlooking the surrounding landscape support the wellbeing of loved ones throughout the care journey. To encourage patient mobility during recovery, the support core was strategically organized to maximize uninterrupted handrails along corridors, complemented by thoughtfully placed seating alcoves that provide opportunities for rest and reflection.
Design Details
The design also advances clinical efficiency and staff effectiveness. Three decentralized nurse stations on each floor create smaller care neighborhoods, reducing travel distances, improving visibility, and providing convenient access to support spaces. Charting alcoves positioned outside patient rooms allow caregivers to work close to patients while maintaining privacy and observation through integrated vision panels with adjustable blinds. Further enhancing efficiency and constructability, prefabricated bathroom pods were manufactured off-site and installed nearly complete, supporting quality, consistency, and accelerated delivery.
