Kalispell Regional Medical Center
Advanced healthcare in Montana's Flathead Valley.
Kalispell Regional Medical Center
ARCHITECTURE | INTERIORS
Located in the stunning Flathead Valley, Kalispell Regional Medical Center is one of the largest medical facilities in the region. The state-of-the-art center demonstrates innovative healthcare design and cutting-edge technology at every turn, providing a comprehensive scope of care to patients throughout Montana. A multi-million-dollar masterplan effort led to a consolidated, multi-phased project scope focused on the relocation and expansion of the surgical services department, which established eight new operating suites, including one hybrid OR, each possessing full integration, imaging, and robotics capabilities. Sterile processing capacities and methodologies were closely scrutinized throughout the design process, in addition to staff/patient process efficiencies. The new department utilizes a multitude of energy-saving strategies, including passive daylighting and ground-source geothermal heat exchange. Extensive measures were taken to provide flexible modification for future growth and evolving technology, ensuring the facility remains competitive with the medical industry’s progressive practices and standards.
Kalispell Regional Medical Center
Advanced healthcare in Montana’s Flathead Valley.
ARCHITECTURE | INTERIORS
Located in the stunning Flathead Valley, Kalispell Regional Medical Center is one of the largest medical facilities in the region. The state-of-the-art center demonstrates innovative healthcare design and cutting-edge technology at every turn, providing a comprehensive scope of care to patients throughout Montana. A multi-million-dollar masterplan effort led to a consolidated, multi-phased project scope focused on the relocation and expansion of the surgical services department, which established eight new operating suites, including one hybrid OR, each possessing full integration, imaging, and robotics capabilities. Sterile processing capacities and methodologies were closely scrutinized throughout the design process, in addition to staff/patient process efficiencies. The new department utilizes a multitude of energy-saving strategies, including passive daylighting and ground-source geothermal heat exchange. Extensive measures were taken to provide flexible modification for future growth and evolving technology, ensuring the facility remains competitive with the medical industry’s progressive practices and standards.
An elaborate endeavor
To support the new 58,000 sf surgical services floor plate, a complex structural retrofit was integrated throughout multiple floors to allow for vertical expansion, including the installation of over 30 column penetrations constructed through the existing first floor and basement. The process required an intricate 28-month schedule to complete the arduous placement through occupied spaces and over the top of existing imaging and radiology suites, meticulously planned to cause minimal disruption to facility operations.
A radical transformation
The original surgical services department consisted of a 16,500 sf foot print with limited natural light. By relocating to the second floor, the department gained over 40,000 sf, thoughtfully allocated to best accommodate technology and improve circulation paths for efficient patient and staff flow. Natural light floods perimeter spaces, amplified by multiple skylights strategically placed throughout the department.
A surgical mecca
The new department combines all surgical disciplines into a single floor plate, offering eight operating suites, an 18-room post-anesthesia care unit, and same-day surgery unit on the spacious second floor. The main floor houses a sterile processing unit and heat-enclosed ambulance drop-off, while the top floor provides 18 ICU rooms, six of which are swing units designed to switch from ICU functions to serve intermediate care processes.