Southern Oregon Orthopedics ASC

PROJECT NARRATIVE

Designed exclusively for Southern Oregon Orthopedics, this freestanding ambulatory surgery center reimagines the orthopedic outpatient experience through a patient-centered approach rooted in Lean process improvement. The project evolved from an intensive planning and workflow charrette that challenged traditional surgery center models and prioritized the patient journey at every stage of care.

The approximately 32,500-square-foot facility is organized around an innovative flow diagram that replaces the conventional pre-operative and recovery model with dedicated private patient rooms, allowing individuals to prepare for, recover from, and complete their surgical experience in the same space. This approach minimizes patient transfers, improves privacy and comfort, and creates a more intuitive and supportive care environment. The facility includes six operating rooms, twenty private prep and recovery rooms, a sterile processing department, a central nurse station, administrative and staff support areas, and receiving and logistics functions, along with approximately 2,400 square feet of physical therapy space and 1,250 square feet of tenant space for a medical equipment vendor.

A defining feature of the design is the use of dedicated patient and family circulation paths located along the perimeter of the building. These corridors maximize access to natural daylight and create a welcoming, non-clinical experience that promotes autonomy and reduces stress, while family members remain connected to the patient's journey within comfortable waiting and support spaces throughout the facility.

By integrating operational efficiency, patient-focused planning, and evidence-based design, the completed center establishes a new model for ambulatory orthopedic care, one that enhances patient comfort, improves staff efficiency, and supports exceptional clinical outcomes for patients and families alike.