UBC Hospital: Koerner Pavilion Clinical Inpatient Revitalization

The renovation of key spaces in the Koerner Pavilion at UBC Hospital (UBCH) optimised inpatient beds and surgical capacity at both UBCH and Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) while considering opportunities for improved operational efficiency and patient care.

Project Details

  • LocationVancouver, BC
  • SectorHealth Care
  • Size5400 m2
  • Completed2020

Project Team

  • ClientVancouver Coastal Health Authority
  • Firm of RecordKirsten Reite Architecture (KRA)
  • ConstructionCDC Construction
  • PhotographyLila Bujold

The renovation included the relocation of the Transitional Care Unit and Internal Medicine Departments in Koerner Pavilion.

The project also included the addition of an eight-bed High Acuity Unit, five new airborne isolation rooms, and the integration of VGH’s Orthopaedics and Reconstruction Department into the existing surgical services offered at UBCH.

The newly renovated and repurposed space accommodates a total of 56 Surgical Inpatient beds and 38 Transitional Care/Internal Medicine Department beds.

An inpatient room in the new High Acuity Unit.
A typical inpatient room in the new Transitional Care Unit or Internal Medicine Department.
One of five new airborne isolation rooms at UBCH.

To support newly renovated inpatient units, significant architectural and infrastructure upgrades were required in the primary project area.

A complex, multi-phased construction process was developed to support ongoing operations throughout the Koerner Pavilion and mitigate the impact on staff and patients.

Creating further opportunities for operational efficiency and patient-centred care was a strong consideration throughout the renovation.

Design and planning considerations included opportunities for improved staff workflow and patient safety as well as ergonomic improvements and the considered placement of staff and patient respite areas.

 

Danielle Lawson joined the project team in 2016 while an employee of KRA. After founding DLA, she was further retained by KRA to continue with the project team and see the project through to its completion in 2020.