Wilmington Hospital Observation Unit

The Wilmington Hospital Observation Unit transformed the hospital’s former medical records area into a 10-bed patient care unit to support emergency department flow. As part of ChristianaCare’s long-term expansion plan, the project creates a dedicated space for patients who require short-term monitoring, reducing the need to hold them in emergency department bays.

E4H organized the 4,000 square foot renovation around a central nurse station, allowing staff to maintain clear visibility across all patient bays. Ten enclosed observation rooms line the perimeter, each equipped with medical gas headwalls, handwashing stations, and natural light along the exterior wall. The layout maximizes patient capacity within the limited existing structure while maintaining required clearances around columns, supporting efficient circulation.
Support spaces include clean supply, soiled holding, and nourishment areas located near care zones to streamline workflow. Separate staff and patient entries improve operational clarity, and the overall design aligns with FGI Guidelines and extends the system’s established interior palette.