Expanding Capacity and Enhancing Care
John Muir Health partnered with HED to reimagine its Labor and Delivery unit with the dual goals of increasing capacity and elevating the patient and staff experience. The project aimed to modernize the unit’s capabilities, create room for future growth, and deliver a welcoming environment for patients and families—all while keeping the unit fully operational throughout construction.
The planning process began with a detailed analysis of the floor’s maximum theoretical capacity. This exercise established the framework for renovation and expansion, ensuring that every square foot of the unit could be optimized for both present and future use.
The resulting program included the renovation of the unit core, the expansion and modernization of C-section operating rooms, and the addition of four new labor, delivery, and recovery (LDR) rooms. Importantly, the design preserved ten existing LDRs in good condition, ensuring continuity of service throughout construction.
Careful phasing allowed the unit to operate without interruption or any reduction in capacity. The expanded unit now supports a future capacity of more than 4,000 births per year, providing John Muir Health with the ability to meet community growth projections, welcome additional providers, and accommodate every mother whenever she is ready.
Several design innovations were introduced to improve safety, inclusivity, and staff experience. In the new LDR bathrooms, sliding ICU-style doors allow mothers to safely labor in the shower while still enabling staff to respond quickly in an emergency. The C-section operating rooms were redesigned at larger, identical dimensions, providing greater flexibility for teams and reducing the risk of confusion in urgent situations. To achieve this, HED facilitated a series of live simulation charrettes in a full-scale mock-up, testing both common and uncommon birth scenarios with care providers to validate and refine the design.
Clinical performance was further enhanced by incorporating new ultra-suit laminar flow diffusers in the ORs. These systems maximize airflow and lighting, creating safer and cleaner environments that support both infection control and visibility for surgical teams. Beyond clinical areas, staff needs were thoughtfully addressed as well. Gender-neutral staff locker rooms were designed and approved, advancing inclusivity while also reducing the overall footprint dedicated to changing areas. This space savings allowed more area to be allocated toward staff amenity spaces, improving daily comfort and satisfaction.
Through a combination of rigorous planning, innovative design, and thoughtful execution, HED helped John Muir Health transform its Labor and Delivery unit into a state-of-the-art facility prepared to serve the region for years to come. The project demonstrates how smart, human-centered design can expand capacity, enhance safety, and create an environment where families and providers alike feel supported.
