Wallowa County Health Care District selected Clark/Kjos Architects to design and build a new, 25 bed, Critical Access Hospital to replace an antiquated facility. A 14-acre site was chosen for development to meet both the needs of today and long-term needs for the future. The facility is designed to focus on specific services that this rural, critical access hospital provides and will foster community perceptions of quality and comfort.
The site design enhances the healing environment by honoring views of the countryside for patient, family and staff benefit. Nature walks and other site amenities provide a strong connection with nature. Energy efficiency and infection control concerns are addressed by using a combination of alternative energy sources including geothermal, 100% outside air and heat recovery techniques.
The overall design allowed for expansion in key revenue-generating departments and eventually linked to a medical office building that CKA designed. It also preserved a majority of the site to assure it will meet future health care needs for many years.