A lot has changed in the delivery of healthcare in recent years, and new and modernized hospitals reflect that progress. Patients are cared for in thoughtfully designed environments that promote healing, self-advocacy, and an array of modern options for treatment and ongoing wellness.

While healthcare professionals continue to improve their services and approach with patients, we’re also seeing changes in how hospital sites are cared for as well. In the past, the development of these settings would typically involve a lot of impervious surface, concrete, and pipes; and little consideration as to how the environment might actually contribute to the wellbeing of patients.

Today, we carefully consider the long-term “wellness” of the site, and take advantage of what nature has to offer. By including wetlands and marsh settings, rain gardens, vegetated swales, and scenic pathways, site engineering has become more effective in managing stormwater and minimizing impact to the environment, including wildlife. Virtua recently took this approach with the development of its new Virtua Voorhees Hospital in New Jersey, where we provided civil engineering and transportation support.

With a more pleasing, natural environment, hospitals are also able to offer patients appealing views from their rooms and public areas, and serene settings in which to walk and enjoy the outdoors. It’s good for healthcare and good for the environment too.