With bright, modern spaces, advanced technology and intuitive wayfinding, the South Niagara Hospital was designed with patients and families in mind, creating a more accessible and welcoming care experience.
“There are many positive features in the new hospital that are going to completely change the patient experience,” says Dan Whipple, a member of the South Niagara Hospital Patient and Indigenous Partners Committee. Whipple took part in accessibility consultations and provided feedback from a patient partner and accessibility lens.
“What stood out to me the most was the patient rooms. There are so many universal design and accessibility concepts incorporated, such as the sliding washroom door and the patient lifts,” says Whipple. “It’s not easy being lifted and moved around, and having a patient lift in every room is really going to help staff and provide a better experience for patients.”
From arrival through to discharge, the patient experience has guided the planning and design process, with a particular emphasis on accessibility and inclusiveness. The hospital is being built using universal design principles, creating spaces that can be used by all people without the need for adaptation or specialized features.
Whipple is a passionate advocate for accessibility and inclusiveness in the region. He is chair of the Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee, serving Lincoln, West Lincoln, Pelham, Thorold, Niagara-on-the Lake, Grimsby and Port Colborne. The committee advises partner municipalities on accessibility and facilitating barrier-free communities.
It was just over two years ago when Whipple and a group of patient partners toured the mock-up space. Located in a Welland warehouse, eight future South Niagara Hospital rooms were built to scale with real furniture, fixtures and equipment, allowing Niagara Health team members and partners to provide feedback before the design was finalized.
“There are a lot of things that you don’t think about until you’re in a wheelchair,” says Whipple. “It was nice to see that staff and patient partner input gathered early enough that we could provide meaningful feedback and see some of our suggestions reflected in the final design.”
When your surroundings are positive and they help you feel better, you’re going to heal better too.”
Privacy, comfort and wellness are at the heart of the patient experience. Every inpatient room will be private, providing a quieter and more supportive environment for healing, additional space for family involvement, and a reduced risk of infection transmission. Beyond medical care, the hospital is designed to support overall wellbeing, with accessible gardens, spiritual care spaces and a dedicated Indigenous Healing Room and Garden offering places for reflection, connection and support for patients, families and caregivers throughout their visit.
“I have spent a lot of time looking at ceilings and it’s not a fun way to live. Being in a new hospital with a better atmosphere goes a long way towards providing a more positive experience for patients. When your surroundings are positive and they help you feel better, you’re going to heal better too,” Whipple says.
The South Niagara Hospital was designed to put patients and families first. Universal design features help reduce barriers and make visits easier. The result is a hospital that supports both high-quality care and a positive experience for patients and families.
Five ways the South Niagara Hospital will improve the patient experience
Faster, more connected care
The South Niagara Hospital is designed to improve patient flow, reduce wait times and bring a wide range of specialized services together in one location.
Advanced technology for safer care
Modern equipment, digital tools and integration with Niagara Health's Hospital Information System will support more effective treatment, enhanced patient safety and a more seamless care experience.
Increased privacy and comfort
With 100-per-cent private patient rooms, patients will benefit from a quieter, more personal healing environment. Private rooms also provide more space for family involvement and help reduce the risk of infection transmission.
Universally accessible design
Designed to be fully accessible and meet the needs of Niagara's growing and aging population, the hospital will feature accessible spaces, improved parking and drop-off areas, and thoughtful design elements that create a more welcoming and user-friendly experience from arrival through discharge.
Spaces that support wellness
The hospital's design recognizes that healing extends beyond medical care. Patients, families and caregivers will have access to outdoor spaces and gardens, spiritual care and reflection areas, and a dedicated Indigenous Healing Room and Garden co-designed with Indigenous community partners to support cultural, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
Read this article and more in the October issue of the Project Newsletter
