CREW Blue Ribbon Awards Program Book 2024

CT Children’s Medical Psychiatric Integrated Care Unit Hartford, CT

Owner : Connecticut Children’s Hospital Project Size : 7,300 SF Project Team: The S/L/A/M Collaborative, Connecticut Children’s Hospital, Salas O’Brien, DPR Construction Connecticut Children’s pioneering Medical Psychiatric Integrated Care Unit represents a significant milestone in pediatric healthcare, bridging gaps in care and regulation to meet the complex needs of adolescents requiring both psychiatric and medical treatment. By prioritizing patient safety, comfort, and well-being, while embracing innovative design and technology, Connecticut Children’s has set a new standard for integrated pediatric care. With increasing demand for pediatric medical and mental health services, Connecticut Children's introduced the first inpatient medical psychiatric integrated care unit in the state and one of only a few of its kind in the country. This 7,300 SF, 12-bed unit provides a holistic approach to care for adolescents with a primary medical diagnosis and secondary mental health diagnosis, filling a critical void in the healthcare landscape. The absence of clear guidelines for combined medical and behavioral health units posed a challenge that required thoughtful consideration and planning to provide medical gasses in all patient rooms, a dedicated exam room, and a rehab therapy space, while maintaining ligature and vandal-resistant furniture, fixtures, finishes, and equipment to ensure patient, staff, and family safety. Central to the project's vision was the creation of a non-institutional healing environment. Unique design elements such as L-shaped patient beds, combining comfort and security; switchable door glazing to balance patient privacy with staff's need to provide care; a twinkling constellation and color changing lights in the quiet room for a customizable sensory experience; and a cutting-edge media wall tool designed to help de-escalate and calm patients promote mental wellness while addressing patients' medical needs. Inspired by the strength and serenity of natural landscapes, the interior design theme of "Mountain" infuses the space with a calming blue color palette known in behavioral health color theory for its positive and tranquil effects. Cozy corridor nooks featuring biophilic elements bring the healing power of nature indoors.

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