Lawrence General Hospital’s Redesign to Help Boost Surgical Care for Merrimack Valley

LAWRENCE, Mass. – Lawrence General Hospital and MorrisSwitzer Environments for Health (E4H) recently celebrated the official opening of the hospital’s expanded and renovated surgical space. The Santagati Center takes its name from Richard and Marilyn Santagati, Lawrence natives and longtime supporters of the hospital.

Lawrence General, E4H and construction company Bond Brothers Inc. broke ground in April 2015 and completed the project within the timeline and budget.

The $56-million project consists of a new 46,000-square-foot surgical building and 15,000-square-foot renovation to the existing Day Surgery and Pre-Admission Testing departments. The Santagati Center will feature seven new operating rooms with state-of-the-art technology required for more complex surgical procedures. The largest room is a hybrid operating room that will allow for high-quality imaging and interventional radiology services to be performed during procedures.

Critical to the planning process, E4H worked with Lawrence General Hospital to conduct an assessment of existing conditions and assets and provided master planning services to expand the hospital’s facilities. Beginning in November 2014, E4H worked extensively with hospital staff utilizing collocation and design development efforts. Focus groups provided valuable feedback to identify and address the needs of the departmental space program, resulting in an improved Surgical Services Department that is completely inclusive within the hospital. The remodeled and newly constructed buildings flow seamlessly, allowing for improved wayfinding and providing an upgraded patient experience.