Tampa General Hospital, Bayshore Pavilion

storm Shelter from the

Tampa General Hospital’s Bayshore Pavilion is a perfect example of a healthcare facility feeling the stress to provide everyday emergency services while also being adequately prepared for disaster.

With an emphasis on disaster planning, TGH implemented more recommendations of Project ER One than any other facility in the country, and has since become a case study in preparing for the worst.

68228.00 bayshore pavilion at tampa general hospital Tampa, Florida Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, Planning Sustainable Practice 2008 AIA People’s Choice Award, Tampa Bay Chapter

Originally built as an urban public hospital, Tampa General Hospital, not unlike a majority of other hospitals, suffered from a limited site and increased patient volumes during its early years. New administration recognized the need for growth. One of the most challenging design issues was an extremely limited footprint on Davis Islands. The Bayshore Pavilion occupies the last unbuilt area on campus between the existing building, access bridge to the island and the seawall.

Of main concern—and often an afterthought in hospital design—were disaster planning issues, addressed early in the project by a Multidisciplinary Steering Team including GS&P principal/project manager Bob Berry, AIA, NCARB, and project designer Jim Kolb, AIA. Taking guidance from Project ER One, the federally funded initiative to develop all-risks-ready emergency care facilities, the team incorporated emergency preparedness for medical, natural and man-made disasters. Special attention was paid to the hospital’s position as the only level 1 trauma center in west-central Florida, as well as its physical location on an island vulnerable to the effects of hurricanes.

Since all critical functions of a hospital must be above the 100-year flood plain and Saffir-Simpson storm surge level, the new emergency department was located on the second level above dedicated emergency parking. Access to the facility employs a high-volume, airport-style traffic scheme to ease maneuvering and assist traffic flow. If a mass casualty event causes a large influx of patients, the understory can function as the initial arrival point for triage and mass decontamination (up to 200 patients/hour) which can be accommodated with

Above Although planned as a 280,000-square-foot, five-story addition, it was decided before construction began to add another story and expand the square footage to a total of 340,000 square feet. Below Elevated safely, the addition is above the 100-year flood plain and protects the emergency department from potential storm surge.

“GS&P’s leadership in a collaborative design process with Tampa General has created an inspiring environment customized to our unique needs.”

LOCKED SURGE CABINET WITH MED GAS AND ELECTRICAL

EXAM/TREATMENT POD WITH ALL ISOLATION ROOMS

SURGERY

— Ron Hytoff Chief Executive Officer Tampa General Hospital

CHEST PAIN

PHARMACY

ADULT

TRAUMA TRAUMA ENTRY

Right With thoughtful emphasis on preparing for disasters during the programming and design process, Tampa General Hospital has successfully equipped their emergency and trauma center with scalability for disaster. Each of the universal exam/treatment rooms and trauma bays can be doubled up if needed. Plus the 71 surge cabinets throughout the public areas and others will provide well over 200 patient care stations.

ADULT

CT CT

ADULT WAITING

TYPICAL POD OF 10 EXAM/TREATMENT ROOMS

FAST TRACK RADIOLOGY

WALKIN ENTRY PEDIATRIC CAFE

PEDIATRIC WAITING

AC 2NDCESS R LEV AMP EL E TO NTR Y

MRI

provisions already in place for shower enclosures with quick-connect tempered water for showers.

During design, several hurricanes battered Florida and the Gulf Coast, and were unfortunate reminders of the potential threat to Tampa Bay. Tampa General, originally designed to withstand coderequired 120 mile-per-hour winds, increased the strength of the structural frame to withstand hurricane gusts of up to 140 miles per hour. With nearly 900 beds, TGH decided to “defend in place,� eliminating the danger of trying to evacuate large numbers of high-acuity patients while allowing service to additional patients after a hurricane.

Below Left Purposefully located with a calming view of the bay, the trauma ICU waiting area offers families an oasis during a stressful time. Many families stake claim to parts of the windowed area while loved ones receive days of treatment.

The emergency department layout consists of six 10-room pods, one of which is designed with all isolation rooms capable of handling a SARS-like event. All of the 60 emergency department exam/ treatment rooms are similar in size and services.

Each is designed as a private room but can accommodate two patients in a surge event.

The pods are also designed to emphasize a healing, calming environment for patients. For instance, the emergency department’s pediatrics pod is designed with a nautical theme related to the island.

Soothing colors and oceanic elements are provided throughout, from undulating soffits above to tide-like flooring patterns below. The nurses’

station resembles a fanciful boat, with brightly colored flags and waterlines painted on its hull, all designed to help ease anxiety and promote effective care.

Berry takes great pride in the team’s efforts, especially its impact on the region’s ability to respond to crisis. “As designers, we seldom hope certain aspects of a design won’t be put to the test. But as a resident of Tampa, I’m honored to know that our work has a direct and positive impact on the ability to save lives in time of disaster.” ■

Above/Below The pediatric department boasts waves, portholes, sailboats and other nautical elements, all designed to help ease anxiety and promote effective care.

Gresham, Smith and Partners provides design and consulting solutions for the built environment that contribute to the success of national and international clients. For more than 40 years, GS&P has focused on enhancing quality of life and sustainability within communities. GS&P consists of industry-leading professionals practicing architecture and engineering design as well as scientists and highly specialized planning and strategic consultants in Environmental Compliance, Aviation, Corporate and Urban Design, Healthcare, Industrial, Land Planning, Transportation and Water Services. GS&P consistently ranks among the top architecture and engineering firms in the United States. For more information regarding GS&P, visit www.gspnet.com.

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