Emory University Nursing Learning Center

Emory Decatur Hospital’s goal was to consolidate behavioral health services into one 1960s-era building that would efficiently integrate outpatient and inpatient care. The Beck Group worked in collaboration with May Architecture to significantly enhance the patient and staff experience, making the space feel welcoming and safe, not institutional. The team designed inpatient and seclusion rooms with windows with operable blinds, desks for seating and integrated showers to offer patients choice, control and privacy. Group therapy rooms and exercise equipment are located just outside patient rooms. The clinical team can monitor patients at in-unit nursing stations on each floor, something the facility did not have before. Inpatients are moved to the first floor for ECT treatment but are separated from outpatient areas with closed-off corridors. Family and visitors have separate waiting rooms with sally ports on each floor. The design team engaged with three different departments to plan and design collaborative and calm workspaces. There is space for staff lounges and offices with access to abundant natural light. State-of-the-art safety features are incorporated throughout the facility.