CLINTON, NJ (Hunterdon County) – Migrating medical services from hospitals to satellite outpatient healthcare centers is a growing national trend providing greater patient access to high level clinical care.
But, until recently such multi-service centers were lacking in northwest New Jersey. The St. Luke’s University Health Network saw the need to take action – with its newest venture being the building of the new, larger Clinton facility scheduled to open next year.
Designed by SSP Architects and being built by DeSapio Management, this 25,000 square foot facility on Route 31 will offer Primary Care, Physical Therapy, Orthopedics, Care Now, Radiology and Lab Services. It will become a one-stop medical hub for the Hunterdon County region.
“Our expansion of outpatient medical services in Clinton underscores St. Luke’s commitment to the community and the Hunterdon County region,” said Brett Showalter, Senior Director Network Real Estate. “We continue to invest in New Jersey, which benefits our community by providing more convenient access to top-quality healthcare and additional services and programming.”
Showalter said St. Luke’s is pleased to be working with SSP Architects in creating this new space that will enable it to broaden the services for the growing number of both seniors and young families in the region.
From a design point of view, SSP Principal Marcus Rosenau said it has become increasingly important to create waiting rooms and exam rooms that make patients feel more comfortable while waiting for service.
“Patients and caregivers deservedly want to enter a physical place that is bright, uplifting, and spacious. It helps boost their spirits when they are usually feeling down due to healthcare issues concerning themselves or a family member. St. Luke’s and SSP are on the same page in providing their clients with an affordably elegant atmosphere,” Rosenau said.
At the same time, spaces must be created to seamlessly incorporate the newest clinical technologies that allow formerly complex procedures to be delivered in outpatient healthcare settings such as this one. This enables hospitals, such as the St. Luke’s Hospital – Warren Campus in Phillipsburg, to open space to care for those with the most serious illnesses.
Rosenau said architecture firms such as SSP are increasingly getting queries about building or renovating outpatient medical centers, which are expected to grow by 20-30 percent in the coming decade.
“When SSP develops healthcare spaces, we know it is more than just a project. It’s an investment by health networks such as St. Luke’s with the power to generate greater well-being, medical innovation, and readiness to better address healthcare emergencies,” Rosenau said.
