ThedaCare - Orthopedic, Spine, and Pain Center

Maximizing Speed to Market

To meet the unique needs of their growing patient population, ThedaCare came to HGA to expand services on their Encircle campus with a new orthopedic center of excellence that provides greater access to surgery, rehab, clinic, and inpatient services all in one location. In just six weeks, HGA validated their program and updated their master plan. Five months after signing the contract, shovels were in the ground to begin construction.

Going Fast Requires: Quick and Durable Decision-Making

Because speed to market was a catalyst for success, quick decision-making – without compromising outcomes – was critical. However, just as the project was beginning, so too was the COVID-19 pandemic. The entire project was designed virtually – with zero in person meetings – from programming through design development approvals. The Owner assembled a team of “Super Users” representing all clinical and non-clinical stakeholders. These Super Users attended every virtual design meeting to make real-time decisions using evidence-based research and best practice recommendations.

Going fast also required durable decisions. In the absence of physical mockups, patient care scenarios were tested in a series of virtual mock-ups over Zoom. These interactive VR environments were built by HGA’s VR experts and tested by the owner’s Super Users and HGA’s medical planners to validate the design. The resulting design is patient-focused, ensuring each moment of their journey is a positive and memorable experience. From ease of entry for mobility-limited patients, to self-service kiosks for quick registration, to intuitive wayfinding and bringing services to the patient – the design keeps patients at the center.

Going Fast Requires: Simultaneous Design and Construction

Going fast meant construction was occurring while design was underway. Project delivery consisted of seven structural sequences released via 18 construction packages. This “just in time” documentation strategy allowed for field activities to begin only five months after HGA started. Parallel path trade partner BIM coordination further supported this fast-track approach by enabling early equipment procurement for long lead time items and shop fabrication. The entire project (design and construction) was completed in 18 months, six months ahead of a typical design and construction schedule.