‘Healing Oasis’ will provide healthcare services to veterans in northern California

A 95,000-sf, three-story healthcare facility is currently under construction directly adjacent to the 101 Freeway overlooking a wooded park site in San Jose, Calif. The $40 million V.A. San Jose Community-Based Outpatient Clinic will provide veterans and their families with healthcare services.

The building is being designed as a “healing oasis” that is inspired by scenic views of the Santa Cruz Mountains. It will allow patients, families, and care providers to connect with the outdoors via a park and other outdoor recreational areas. “The concept is based on incorporating air, light and space so the design becomes a part of the healing process for patients,” says Hosam Habib, AIA, Lead Designer, Hoefer Wysocki, in a release.

Interior of the new VA Outpatient Clinic San Jose Rendering courtesy Hoefer Wysocki.

The space will use a modular floor plan to separate patient and staff corridors, which reduces noise and activity levels and contributes to a better healing environment.

The first floor will include general registration, imaging, a lab and pharmacy, and a mental health outpatient clinic. The second floor will be designed for outpatient services including primary care, audiology and speech pathology, podiatry, optometry, and dermatology. The third floor will be dedicated to specialty services such as a women’s health clinic. An outdoor terrace will also be located on the third floor to provide a space for patients, their families, and clinic staff to relax. The campus will also feature a memorial park to honor and thank veterans for their service.

Exterior view from Memorial Park Rendering courtesy Hoefer Wysocki.

The clinic is under construction and scheduled for occupancy in first quarter 2018. The Building Team includes Smith and Boucher (MEP), BKF (CE), BDC (structural engineer), and Gates and Associates (landscape consultant).

Main Lobby of the VA Outpatient Clinic San Jose Rendering courtesy Hoefer Wysocki.

Rural hospitals present unique opportunities and challenges for healthcare facility operators. Oftentimes, the infrastructure and building systems have not been updated for years and require significant improvements in order to meet today’s modern medical demands. Additionally, as these smaller, more remote hospitals are acquired by larger regional and national healthcare systems, the first step by new ownership is often to update and rehabilitate the building. But how can this be done thoughtfully, economically, and efficiently in ways that allow the engineering and facility staff to adapt to the changes? And how can the updates accurately reflect the specific needs of rural communities and the afflictions with which these areas most commonly face?