Orthopedic Associates of Hartford (OAH) has announced plans to open the most innovative outpatient surgical facility in the state, if not the nation. Every detail of the stunning new center located at 150 Enterprise Drive in Rocky Hill is designed to create an extraordinary patient experience. The 45,000 square foot facility is slated to open on January 7, 2019.
“The future of orthopedics is moving surgeries to outpatient venues,” explains Dr. Pietro A. Memmo, Assistant Director of the Orthopedic Associates Surgical Center. Dr. Memmo, along with Dr. Andrew Caputo, are co-owner project managers of the new surgical center and have been overseeing all aspects of the center from design through completion. Dr. Memmo points out that “Research, patient satisfaction, and our experience shows that outpatient surgeries are more cost effective for patients, with much lower infection rates and superior outcomes. That is why we have made the significant investment of approximately $30 million to build a center that is truly unparalleled in the Northeast.”
OAH surgeons and surgeons from the Hand Center will perform shoulder, knee, and hip replacements, spine surgery, shoulder and knee arthroscopy, hand, wrist, elbow, foot and ankle surgery, and interventional pain procedures to relieve pain and restore function. The majority of procedures that were previously done in an inpatient facility will now be performed in an outpatient setting. “The center has everything and more that a hospital offers, without the overnight stay and with improved convenience and lower costs,” says Dr. Memmo.
The new facility includes seven operating rooms and one procedure room. The operating rooms are over 600 square feet to accommodate the latest technology and robotic systems while providing surgeons with more room to comfortably operate. Patient safety is at the forefront and the newest advancements in care are in place, including the most advanced sterilization systems on the market.
On the lower level, there are 25+ rooms for doctors to see patients and a full service physical therapy center. In fact, physical therapists will immediately start physical therapy in the post-operative surgical area so that patients can go home the same day. Patients will be able to stay up to 23 hours. Every single detail, from the layout of the building to the onsite services and accessibility, was considered to enhance the patient experience.
This new center will replace the existing Orthopedic Associates of Hartford surgical center in Rocky Hill located on Cromwell Avenue. “When our Rocky Hill surgical center opened 15 years ago, it was ahead of its time,” said Dr. Memmo. “Patients reported a 96% satisfaction rate and preferred it to a hospital setting. This new building is 40% larger, is at the forefront of patient care, and allows our surgeons to handle over 100 cases a day and, at capacity, up to 15,000 cases per year.”
Size was only one consideration behind building the new center. Dr. Caputo shares that patient comfort, safety, and convenience were all primary drivers behind the new center. He explains, “As a physician-owned and led project, the new building was planned with the patients, doctors, and employees in mind. Our nurses and dedicated staff members are the heart of what we do. We want them to be happy in a setting that is second to none. It is designed to make their jobs easier, as well as to optimize patient workflow.”
Part of what contributes to the positive experience is the natural beauty of the center. One of the most prominent architectural features is the floor-to-ceiling windows which bring an abundance of natural light flooding the interior patient care environment. Beautiful natural stone walls, soothing colors, and custom art work embody a sense of calmness and serenity, unlike a hospital.
The state-of-the-art facility is also designed with sustainability in mind. Principal of MBH ARCHITECTURE, Nicholas Michnevitz shares, “This center exemplifies a modern approach to construction of patient care centers with emphasis on sustainability and being lean and efficient. From the exterior of the building to the landscaping, electrical units, lighting, and finishes, every detail was designed to be environmentally responsible and resource efficient.” Even the skin of the building is environmentally efficient and uses Centria Panels that have built-in insulation and water drainage systems.
Mark Caccio, Senior Project Manager with A/Z Corporation who is overseeing construction, points out that “Every possible enhancement was implemented to create a safe and sterile environment that meets the highest standards reserved for brand new hospitals. Walls, surfaces, ceilings, and flooring were designed using the most cutting edge materials on the market to create a sanitary sealed environment where patient safety is at the forefront.”
An official ribbon-cutting Grand Opening ceremony is planned for February of 2019, in conjunction with the Rocky Hill Chamber of Commerce, local legislators, and members of the healthcare community.
Tim Taylor, CEO of Orthopedic Associates looks forward to kicking off 2019 with this major advancement in patient care. “This center raises the bar on orthopedic and musculoskeletal care and takes it to a whole new level. We look forward to opening our newest facility, where our exceptional team can continue to offer patients the best orthopedic care in a setting that maximizes their comfort and convenience.”
Orthopedic Associates of Hartford, PC (OAH) is one of Connecticut’s largest and most respected orthopedic specialty groups with locations in Enfield, Farmington, Glastonbury, Hamden, Hartford, Manchester, Newington, Plainville, Rocky Hill, Stamford, and Wethersfield. As a total orthopedic care center, our physicians specialize in orthopedic surgery, dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries of the bones, muscles, tendons, nerves, and ligaments in adults and children. Urgent Care Centers in Glastonbury and Farmington provide after hour and weekend care for acute orthopedic injuries. For more information visit www.oahct.com or call (860) 549-3210.