UPMC Harrisburg, located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, underwent a 20,000 square foot refurbishment of its pediatric department. The new space was designed by Stantec’s Philadelphia office to provide positive distractions for patients, comfort for families, and efficiency for employees. The 20,000 square foot refurbishment project also focuses on providing higher quality results and improving the patient and family experience, adding 11 private and general wards, which can flexibly provide intensive care unit-level care as needed.

In addition to the clinical area, the unit’s dedicated game and activity area also provides space for people of all ages, from toddlers to young adults. Within the play space, therapeutic and interactive programs help reduce stress while encouraging social and educational opportunities. Bright colors, floor patterns and dynamic visual effects make patients and family members welcome and comforted. The overall unit plan provides openness to maintain the sight of the staff and encourage the patient/family sense of community.

Each ward has a dedicated decentralized nurse station and two main nursing team landing spaces, which are the core of the ward. The shared clinical support space at the central core is equal to all wards to maximize efficiency. Additional staff support areas are located outside of the clinical area to provide privacy and isolation while maintaining convenience and workflow.

Project details:

Facility name: UPMC Harrisburg, Pediatrics Unit

Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Completion date January 2021

Owner: UPMC Harrisburg

Total floor area: 20,000 square feet

Total construction cost: confidential

Cost/m²: Confidential

Construction company: Stantec

Interior design: Stantec

General Contractor: Quandel Construction Co.

Engineering: Barton Associates (Electromechanical/Fire Protection); O’Donnell & Naccarato Inc. (Structural))

Interactive Elements: Metcalfe Architecture and Design