The Wisconsin Heart Hospital, located in the Milwaukee metro area, is a 60-bed facility that serves southeastern Wisconsin.  The hospital is dedicated to providing advanced and innovative cardiovascular medical and surgical services in a unique acute care and ambulatory care setting.  TWHH has established a new level of cardiovascular care in the competitive Milwaukee market through its patient and family focus. 

The hospital worked with HDR in Dallas, Texas to create a patient-centered environment.  "We thought about the patient experience while designing every aspect of this facility," states Verna Seitz, Vice President of Patient Care Services, "all of the patient rooms are designed to support the patient, family members, medical and nursing staff."  Unlike other facilities where the patient is moved depending on the level of acuity, at TWHH the patient stays in one room - in essence, the hospital moves around the patient and family. 

A sense of calm prevails and is conveyed throughout the facility through the use of elements found in nature such as water, plants and natural lighting.  This tranquility is further communicated through the furnishings.  "Nemschoff furniture is used throughout the facility not only to provide comfort, but also because of its clean lines and beauty," comments Karen Swanson, designer at HDR. 

In the patient rooms, Nemschoff worked closely with HDR to design custom headwalls and footwalls, hiding all medical gases, supplies and monitors from view.  "The custom cabinetry conceals the technology that can create the stark, high tech feel experienced in traditional hospital rooms," comments Seitz.  "Additionally, the rooms are very adaptable and can be reconfigured as patient needs change and treatment progresses," she adds.  Marco seating, Serenity® SleepOver®, Cities® tables and custom bedside cabinets from Nemschoff are also used to complete the patient rooms.

Marco Grande seating and Aviva tables, also from Nemschoff, are used throughout the public areas of the hospital to tie together the large-scale lobbies and smaller waiting areas. 

With the help of HDR and Nemschoff, The Wisconsin Heart Hospital provides an environment that meets the specific needs of each patient, involves patients' family members in their care and creates an excellent work setting for nurses and medical staff.