Generations of Care Tower at ProMedica Toledo Hospital Research and Design Combine to Optimize ProMedica’s Generations Patient Tower

The Challenge

ProMedica Toledo Hospital’s new 756,600-square-foot (70,290-square-meter), 13-story, 309-bed patient tower, a campus addition and replacement tower, needed to minimize waste, maximize efficiency, optimize functional performance and provide the best possible patient experience in a patient-centered care environment.

To fulfill ProMedica’s vision, HKS’ design and research teams worked collaboratively in a parametric applied research project that informed the unit design to increase caregiver efficiency and time at bed side.

The Design Solution

The Generations Tower promotes a well-connected environment with a strong link to community through transparency in design and process. The design combines parametric applied research, smart technology, patient-focused care strategies and sustainable design principles to create a modern patient tower that exemplifies comfort and transformative care inside and out. Parametric applied research infused into the layout of patient units increases care givers access and time with patients, while reducing their walking distances by half. The integration of user-friendly technology throughout the facility encourages multi-disciplinary collaboration and coordination between staff and patients to improve clinical outcomes. Curtain walls allow for plentiful natural light, energy conserving systems and durable terra cotta masonry panels contribute to an environmentally-friendly building design. ProMedica’s brand values are conveyed throughout the project in details like sustainable and responsible landscaping, clear wayfinding, conveniently located services, and clear vertical and horizontal sight lines that promote connectivity within the building.

The integrated research process enabled ProMedica and the design team to identify key performance indicators that could be impacted by changes in design, process and culture. Most importantly, it allowed ProMedica to see issues that hadn’t been observed previously, solve them to the extent possible within the existing inpatient units and find innovative solutions in the new Generations of Care Tower design, with the aim to improve several clearly defined targets.

The Design Impact

As the new face of ProMedica’s Toledo Hospital Campus, the $350 million Generations of Care replacement tower is the largest single construction project in ProMedica’s history, representing the not-for-profit health system’s commitment to caring for future generations in northwest Ohio.   

Patient unit layout and the integration of a custom designed nurse server cabinet for point of care supplies have reduced staff walking time by more than 50%, allowing more time for patient care – and patients have increased access to their caregivers with in-room user-friendly technology.

Extensive natural daylight throughout the building illuminates the Family Lounges, patient rooms and staff respite areas with floor-to-ceiling glass offering calming views: studies show that biophilic design strategies in health care settings enable patient healing and reduce staff stress.

A new patient parking garage and green promenade provide easy wayfinding and connection with ProMedica’s north campus outpatient buildings unifying and enhancing patient access and experience.