Where do you want to go when you feel unwell?
Probably not a concrete jungle, a room with no windows, or a skyscraper in the middle of a bustling city.
How about a lush, natural setting, lined with vibrant green trees, open meadows and calming water elements?
Ah, yes. That sounds much better.
Nature has a way of de-stressing us, awakening our bodies, refreshing our souls.
Nature Heals
Ever heard of ‘forest bathing’? Otherwise known as Shinrin-Yoku in Japanese, this mindful practice of spending time in a forested area functions much like a peaceful bath: cleansing the whole person. In fact, just walking outside can lower blood pressure and cortisol levels.
When we chose Columbia Road Campus as the location for our new hospital, the natural environment was a factor. As we share this first peek into the future with you, we hope you can see the way we’ve incorporated healing elements into our Masterplan.
Our masterplan creates a vision for the future of healthcare delivery. The first phase includes the hospital and will be designed and constructed over the next five years. Future phases will enhance our Columbia Road Campus over the next 25 years, with the plan for bringing nearly all services back to one complete campus. Future phases include specialty clinics attached to the hospital, along with other clinics on Columbia Road. Throughout the entire campus, the community will engage in a park-like setting offering a wellness experience.
The new facility will bear little resemblance to a conventional hospital, as it will be designed to address changing trends in health care.
“It will not be the same as the hospital as we’ve known it,” said Brad Wehe, Altru’s chief operating officer. “It will be a unique facility that reflects the character of our community.”
We believe by working together, all individuals are better served. We know access to quality healthcare is vital to successful communities. We’ve been listening to your needs, wants and hopes throughout the entire region.
At Altru Health System, we’re a team of dreamers, doers, believers, thinkers, healers. Every day, people come to us and put their lives in our hands. Our patients are the core of our existence. The people we serve deserve nothing less than the best care in the world. They are our neighbors, our friends, our families. It’s our responsibility and privilege to design the future of healthcare.
Thank you for following along as we share this journey into a bold new era.
As plans are developed throughout our facility developments, we are continually seeking input from our region’s community members, our physicians and staff. We invite you to send your ideas and suggestions through the form on our website or by emailing news@altru.org.
