UIHC needed a dedicated ED for Behavioral Health. Data shows increased demand for this care, and users share confidence in need for treatment at UIHC as a biproduct of building this innovative new facility.

After collecting user and patient data including patient demographics, length of stay, etc. and gaining an understanding of each groups intended treatment circulation path, the design team proposed expanding the Behavioral Health and CSUs to the south, leaving their Pediatric department in the current location, with an internal expansion, converting an existing office suite to additional patient treatment space.

The design team has taken into consideration UIHC’s master plan and the short-term need is to plan for and prioritize construction to vacate the 7th floor allowing for a separate vertical expansion project.

For best use of space, the design team proposed a 2-story addition. The first floor dedicated to the Behavioral Health ED, the second floor dedicated to Adult and Adolescent Critical Stabilization Units. The group also expressed the desire for a dedicated entrance to the Pediatric ED. With demolition of portions of the existing South Wing, there may be an opportunity to expand this unit with a dedicated entrance in the future.