Nearly 10 years after the completion of the new BWBR-designed Inpatient Mental Health Center tower, Regions and BWBR partnered again to design a buildout of the shelled third floor. The secure 20-bed unit accommodates stays that range from a couple of days to several months. Many of the patients are in transition from the hospital’s emergency/medical-surgical areas to outpatient treatment or a residential program.

Patients, staff, and family members are welcomed with warm nature-inspired colors, abundant artwork, wood accents, and plenty of natural daylight. The unit’s focal point is a central dayroom with comfy seating, a wall mural, a large television, and tables to do activities. Adjacent to the dayroom is a nurse station with full visibility to the common area, an enclosed dining room, and nutrition area. Each private homelike patient room has a built-in desk, shelves for belongings, and a private bathroom.

After the completion of the original tower, and before designing this unit, BWBR gathered post-occupancy feedback from the staff and incorporated the changes into the design. The feedback led to enhanced safety updates in the third-floor buildout. The project also includes the latest safety products that were not available during the original tower design.