Kaiser Permanente Opens New Hospital in Fontana

FONTANA, Calif. –The Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center recently opened its doors. This spacious 490,000-square-foot, 314-bed hospital combines cutting-edge technology with a peaceful, patient-centered atmosphere.

The facility was designed by HMC Architects. The general contractor was McCarthy Building Companies. The new hospital offers:

• All private patient rooms have plenty of space for family members and visitors
• 24-hour emergency department, featuring 51 private rooms
• 24-hour pharmacy
• Bright and airy café with outside patio seating
• A healing garden and meditation room
• Room service-style meals for patients

More than 20 specialty services are available at the new hospital, including a cardiac catheterization lab, labor and delivery, neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, and – coming in 2014 – cardiac surgery services.

The facility is based on Kaiser Permanente’s template design that represents the next generation of Kaiser Permanente facilities. Its design allows for enhanced flexibility to accommodate changing practices and technologies, such as the addition of green features to the building. It is also designed to meet the new, more rigorous seismic safety standards.

All patient rooms feature an acoustic design that reduces noise. Walls are decorated with warm colors and artwork — created by local artists and specially commissioned for this hospital. A family friendly environment offers space for overnight stays and wireless Internet access, amenities which enhance the overall care experience. Numerous large windows maximize natural light, which eases stress, is good for the environment and contributes to a better patient experience.

The hospital’s labor and delivery suites have a home-like setting, yet contain all of the equipment needed to assist with labor, non-surgical delivery and recovery. The neonatal intensive care unit is nearby, ready to care for those babies who may require an additional level of care.

Patient meals in the new hospital will be prepared utilizing the French-inspired sous vide method for cooking food, which is used in the finest hotels. Patients can also order meals room service-style — select their menu choices and indicate the time they’d prefer meals to be delivered.

Numerous environmentally friendly design and operational features ensure that the new hospital is a place of health for the planet, too. Some of its green features include:

• White, heat-reflective roof to reduce interior cooling needs
• Use of reclaimed water for landscaping and cooling towers
• Eco-friendly wall coverings and flooring
• Furniture and fixtures that use fewer toxic chemicals
• Dual-glazed exterior windows
• Energy-efficient lighting, electrical and plumbing systems
• Use of green cleaning products by housekeeping staff
• Campus-wide recycling program

The Fontana Medical Center incorporates advanced technology at every opportunity. An electronic medical record system is accessible by computer terminals next to each bed and at nursing stations, allowing providers to retrieve essential medical information at the touch of a finger. Sophisticated imaging systems improve diagnostic and treatment capabilities. A wall-to-wall network provides wireless network coverage in all areas of the new hospital to support computing devices, wireless telephones and member access. Free Wi-Fi service is offered throughout the facility.