With a wait list of more than 400 and a 63-percent increase in patient interactions between 2014 and 2015, the Eastern Iowa Health Center in Cedar Rapids needed to remodel its outdated clinic to improve both patient and caregiver experiences.

The design of the $1.9 million renovation of the Health Center, which cares for under-served and under-insured populations, was guided by the clinic leadership’s commitment to the belief that everyone deserves outstanding, quality health care regardless of socioeconomic status.

By reorganizing the waiting and intake areas as well as the exam rooms and staff stations, the design team was able to empower the staff to employ work flows needed in healthcare today. Centralized staff workstations increase visibility to exam rooms and decrease staff footsteps. Four additional exam rooms will accommodate a higher volume of patients. The lobby was modified to create secured access to private clinic zones and privacy at intake stations.

Throughout the clinic, bright colors on the walls, carpet, and in the playful furnishings are welcoming and lighten up a formerly dark interior. Local artwork in the exam rooms and corridors connect the clinic back to the community it serves.