Opportunity 

With the consolidation of Pediatric Emergency Services into the McMaster University Medical Centre came the need for a specialized labour and delivery department. This would be a space that would support newborns and mothers at risk, transforming a space formerly occupied by adult patient populations.

Response

The new department was thoughtfully programmed to include intensive care unit, post anesthesia care unit, two step-down units and expanded an infant resuscitation space, which augmented an existing delivery operating room and accommodates high-risk multiple births (up to quadruplets). The interior design choices provide a welcoming, bright, and comforting environment, including friends and family. The renovations allowed the design to meet current building code, accommodate evolving technological needs, accessibility, infection control and functional issues. Construction occurred in three-phases, allowing other areas of the hospital to function normally. Priority one was to maintain tertiary level care facilities including operating rooms, for the duration of the project.