Berkshire Health Systems

In the phase 1 implementation of a master plan to update Berkshire’s aging infrastructure, renovations to the surgery and emergency departments address operational and functional issues as well as site constriction and conflicts of vehicular and patient circulation. A reconfiguration of the front entranceway successfully redirects patient traffic that had previously congested the emergency department, with a newly configured, open design that gives emergency staff the flexibility to meet all patient needs, segregating trauma patients from patients with less-serious injuries. To enhance the patient/family experience, windows and skylights introduce natural light throughout both departments, including the new surgery suite and its eight operating rooms. The project also consolidates laboratory functions previously scattered throughout the facility. The original 12-phase schedule was refined and compressed into six phases over an 18-month timeframe, enabling occupancy six months ahead of target.