Appalachian Regional Healthcare System, Watauga Medical Center

In 2018, McMillan Pazdan Smith and an engineering partner completed a facility condition assessment of Watauga Medical Center in Boone, NC. With an original core structure built in the 1950s, the 252,000 SF hospital had several challenges related to its long-term viability. MPS developed a master plan to address the aging infrastructure and plan for ambulatory and inpatient growth. The team recommended a new inpatient addition, a medical office building, a new Central Energy Plant, and parking options.

The four-floor inpatient addition will contain a 6-suite OR department, 40 inpatient beds with additional observation capacity spanning two floors, an emergency department, and an imaging department.

A primary goal of the addition is the co-location of major departments to shorten travel distances and maximize efficiency. As one example, a new centralized imaging suite supports inpatient and outpatient volumes through its co-location with the emergency, surgical, and inpatient departments.

To expand surgical capabilities, six new right-sized OR suites incorporate new technology and additional features to enhance patient and staff safety. Two new floors of medical surgical units in racetrack configurations improve the overall patient experience and staff flow.

The full build-out of the project is scheduled to be completed in 2023.