The Christ Hospital Joint & Spine Center

The Christ Hospital Joint & Spine Center Wins 2016 AIA/AAH Healthcare Design Award

Award Showcases Best of Healthcare Building Design

Cincinnati (July 25, 2016) – The Christ Hospital Joint & Spine Center, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM), has been chosen as a recipient of the 2016 American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Academy of Architecture for Health (AAH) Healthcare Design Awards—an awards program that showcases the best of healthcare building design and healthcare design–oriented research.
The AAH mission is to advance healthcare design excellence and the design of healthy communities by developing, documenting, and disseminating research and best practices.
The Christ Hospital Joint & Spine Center, a healthcare destination for joint and spine care, is the result of collaboration between SOM and patients, physicians and other medical and hospital staff. The Center is the first and only center of its kind in the region, providing comprehensive orthopaedic and spine care, sports medicine, rehabilitation, clinical research, and education, all under one roof.
“The Christ Hospital’s Joint & Spine Center is transforming orthopaedic care in the region,” said Herb Caillouet, executive director of The Joint & Spine Center and executive director of musculoskeletal services at The Christ Hospital. “For patients, the Joint & Spine Center provides access to the most advanced, integrated care for their personal needs. And, families are able to care for their loved ones, alongside our talented physicians and nursing staff, closer to home. This Center supports our mission of improving the health of the community and creating patient value by providing exceptional outcomes, affordable care and the finest experiences.”
The Center redefines the way care is delivered for patients with joint and spine disorders; it was designed around their experiences, from the time of their first consultation until their last day of physical therapy.
The patient rooms are spacious with large windows for abundant natural sunlight to promote healing, providing an exceptional patient experience in an extraordinary environment. Natural light extends into the core of the patient floor and traditionally “solid” elements like support and utility spaces are decentralized, creating a sense of openness and connectivity within the building. Patient rooms have wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling frosted and clear glass, and patients are given electronic control of drapes that provide interior and exterior privacy if needed. The patient rooms follow a simple rectangular geometry like a bedroom—a familiar and understandable environment—and storage for ancillary equipment, patient and family possessions, and cabinetry for supplies and waste are kept out of view to create an uncluttered, comforting environment. The high-performance steel structure utilized prefabricated bathroom modules and MEP infrastructure to achieve a high-quality, cost-effective construction.
Compact nursing servers are placed next to patient rooms to allow caregivers to play a more active role in patient recovery, while keeping the floor quiet by dispersing activity. Quiet and welcoming family and staff breakout spaces are designed with comfortable furnishings for conversation and rest. Patient information monitors are also available in each private room, informing patients about their care, including when the next routine medications will be given, the names of their nurses and patient care assistants, and a personalized daily schedule of events. The operating rooms at The Joint & Spine Center have also been designed to provide a more spacious feel. The expansive operating room space accommodates all aspects of orthopaedic and neurosurgical technology. The operating rooms include special features that easily transition from case to case and by surgeon preference.
The Center features outdoor spaces landscaped with native planting, infinity fountains, pergolas and benches for respite and rehabilitation, while the top floor features two rooftop gardens with stunning panoramic views of the Cincinnati skyline and beyond and a meeting room for up to 100 people. 
 
“The design was a collaborative process between the physicians and caregivers currently practicing at The Christ Hospital,” said Fred Kahn, MD, executive medical director of musculoskeletal services at The Christ Hospital. “In the new operating rooms, we’ve created abundant space for the latest innovative technology. The patient-friendly and engaging environment allows for our doctors, nurses and caregivers to provide exceptional care.”
The Center also includes a hydrotherapy pool and an in-water treadmill with underwater video capabilities for individualized recovery. The latest in robotic technology has also been installed in the center.
The Christ Hospital Joint & Spine Center, a model for future hospitals with its flexible design and commitment to sustainability, is LEED® certified. 
 
To learn more about The Christ Hospital Joint & Spine Center, visit https://www.thechristhospital.com/JSC. To make an appointment with a specialist at The Joint & Spine Center, call 513-557-4900.

About The Christ Hospital Health Network: The Christ Hospital Health Network is an acute care hospital located in Mt. Auburn with five ambulatory centers and 181 neighborhood offices conveniently located throughout the Greater Cincinnati area. Its mission is to improve the health of the community and to create patient value by providing exceptional outcomes, affordable care and the finest experiences. Led by the region’s Most Preferred Hospital (National Research Corporation) for 20 consecutive years, the network is dedicated to transforming care by delivering integrated, individualized healthcare and wellness services through its comprehensive physician network and advanced specialty service. The Christ Hospital is among only 6% of hospitals in the nation to be awarded Magnet recognition for nursing excellence and among the top 5% of hospitals in the country for patient satisfaction. For more than 125 years, The Christ Hospital has provided compassionate care to all those it serves.