Group of 323 Help Design Patient Room

An architect’s rendering of what the new rooms will look like.

Long before the design process began on the expansion of the West Wing at Elkhart General, hospital leaders knew they needed a process to help make the project successful. They turned to a familiar tool–Total Value Management. TVM is the principle that helps organizations assess the long-term implications of their actions and aims at striking a balance between the needs of all stakeholders.

How was this accomplished? A life-size prototype was constructed to replicate what will be a multi-million-dollar state-of-the-art project that includes new surgical suites and patient rooms. The prototype featured real furniture, a patient bed as well as dressers and countertops made out of Styrofoam in order to mimic the look of the anticipated rooms. “Some things look good on paper, but it’s only after you actually create a life like sample and get the people who will be using it to share their thoughts do you really understand long-term implications,” says Mike Hoffman, TVM Team Leader. Hundrends of Associates, physicians and board members visited the prototype room, enabling them to “experience” the rooms and provide important feedback on the design. Even recent surgical patients were invited to tour and share their thoughts.

Styrofoam and other materials were used to mock up a future patient room. This lifelike feel helped the team see the true impact of the look, feel and functionality of the room.

The Elkhart General West Wing TVM Team was integral in coordinating the feedback sessions. “Based on all the research, prototyping has shown to make an enormous difference in the outcome,” says Cindie McPhie, Elkhart General Executive Director of Specialty Services & Exceptional Experience. “It was incredibly valuable to get input from everyone and to see things through their eyes.” The collective input will prove extremely helpful by ensuring all needs are addressed before construction begins.

Moving forward, every process that will occur in the West Wing is being considered, including where and how the patients enter the building, the admission process and how all ancillary services will deliver their services in the new area. This will again require the West Wing TVM Team to invite feedback from associates. “We have been so pleased by the amount and quality of input from associates who want to do their part in this historic expansion,” says Cindie. “This is truly a project that depends on the help of everyone to make it successful.”

Thanks to these associates and key leaders for their amazing work in the expansion planning process:

• Karra Heggen, Elkhart General Vice President of Nursing
• Surgery: Pam Goddard, Executive Director; Amy Wardlow, Director; Sue Riddle, Director; Michelle Kemp, Director
• Post-Surgical Care Unit: Lisa MacDonald, Executive Director; Deanna Roberts, Director; Bri Poorman, R.N.; Angie Kuykendall, R.N.
• Total Joint Unit: Cindie McPhie, Executive Director; Lorna Stahler, Director; Shelley Taylor, R.N.; Karie Dussel, R.N.