Innovation meets healthcare in the heart of Nova Scotia with the unveiling of the Bayers Lake Community Outpatient Centre (BLCOC), a project brought to fruition by the EllisDon Infrastructure Healthcare Team (EDIH Team). Nestled just 20 minutes west of downtown Halifax, against the backdrop of the Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness Area, 1,782 hectares of wilderness, this facility represents a groundbreaking leap forward in healthcare architecture and patient-centered design.
Part of the master plan for the QEII Health Sciences Centre, the BLCOC is strategically positioned to decentralize services from the Halifax Infirmary site, bringing essential ambulatory care closer to patients residing outside the Greater Halifax Region. Boasting approximately 100 clinical spaces, the facility offers a comprehensive range of appointment-based clinic services.
The BLCOC serves as a shining example of healthcare accessibility, surpassing mere technological advancements in medicine by adopting a comprehensive approach to access. This encompasses a spectrum of healthcare services, ranging from fundamental primary care administered by a committed medical team to targeted evaluations and thorough post-treatment monitoring. The BLCOC is not only synonymous with top-notch healthcare but also signifies a commitment to inclusivity and quality, aiming to make exceptional healthcare available to everyone, irrespective of background or circumstance.
At the heart of the BLCOC is the Great Hall, the architectural centrepiece of the building. This double-height glazed space serves as the nucleus of the facility, housing the Welcome Centre, café, and inviting waiting areas.
Beyond its functional role, the Great Hall transcends traditional healthcare design, offering patients, families, and staff a contemporary sanctuary for casual use, socialization, and moments of respite.
The Great Hall embraces biophilic design principles by reconnecting individuals with nature. The seamless integration of natural light through large windows with panoramic views, the use of warm and natural materials, such as wood and stone, are thoughtfully integrated to give a sense of the outdoors. Graphics depicting nature scenes are positioned throughout to enhance the healing environment, creating a visual connection to the natural world. It epitomizes the BLCOC’s commitment to quality, wellness, and a profound connection to nature.
But innovation doesn’t stop at the architectural level. The BLCOC redefines the patient experience through its innovative features and amenities. From state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging facilities to 24 dialysis stations and dedicated spaces for specialized assessments, every aspect of the facility is meticulously designed to prioritize patient comfort, convenience, and care. Staff wellness is also taken into consideration with access to a centrally located Staff Lounge as well as an exterior seating area and garden facing towards the Black Duck Ponds for additional areas of respite.
Additionally, the BLCOC’s design ethos extends beyond its walls, seamlessly blending with its natural surroundings. Situated amidst the breathtaking vistas of the Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness Area, the facility serves as a harmonious bridge between healthcare and nature, fostering a healing environment that rejuvenates the body, mind, and spirit.
It was such a pleasure to work with the EDIH Team and Nova Scotia Health on this innovative and ground-breaking facility. BLCOC is the definition of excellence in healthcare architecture and is an absolute gem of a project. I’m so proud of what our team has accomplished with this initiative. – Laura Hann, Principal, Parkin
The Bayers Lake Community Outpatient Centre represents a paradigm shift in healthcare design and delivery. With its innovative architecture, patient-centric amenities, and harmonious integration with nature, the BLCOC sets a new standard for excellence in healthcare facilities. As a beacon of hope and healing, it stands as a testament to the transformative power of design in enhancing the patient experience and shaping the future of healthcare.
Parkin Architects in Joint Venture with FBM Architects