CRH at NexusPark: A New Hub for Health and Wellness

CRH at NexusPark was designed for patients to navigate the space easily.
In January, Columbus Regional Health celebrated its grand opening of NexusPark, a modern, dynamic, and innovative community complex for health, wellness, and recreation.

The creation of NexusPark began five years ago, when CRH partnered with the city of Columbus and the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department to re-envision and renovate the former Fair Oaks Mall to develop a state-of-the-art community asset and connection point in the heart of Columbus.

More than 3,000 community members answered surveys about their desires for the property, and more than 600 residents provided input at public sessions.
 
HEALTHCARE AND BEYOND
When complete, NexusPark will offer a diverse range of services, including:
  • CRH medical offices, laboratory services, therapy services, and patient support services
  • An indoor sports complex, including a 150,000-square-foot fieldhouse
  • An indoor walking trail
  • Wellness and recreation community spaces
  • Dining and retail
  • City parks and recreation administrative and program offices

To design CRH at NexusPark, which is located in the western portion of the 35-acre property, CRH sought the input of physicians, nurses, and prospective patients, said David Lenart, vice president of Strategic Facility Planning and Operations. “The goal was to create a space that is accessible and easy to navigate while also being calm and inviting.”

ELEVATING PATIENT EXPERIENCE
All medical offices have an “on-stage/off-stage” design, with spaces just for patients, such as waiting areas and exam rooms, that are kept separate from offices and meeting areas for clinicians. Every exam room has two entrances — one for patients coming from the waiting area and another for staff entering through the office area. Keeping the flow of patients separate from staff makes the office easier for patients to navigate and helps CRH staff deliberate more efficiently and stay on time.

Other features of the building design are a sound-masking system to cut down on background noise and help maintain privacy and confidentiality in exam and treatment areas, as well as skylights and windows that fill physical, occupational, and speech therapy areas with natural light.

FOSTERING INTEGRATION AND COLLABORATION

CRH at NexusPark is home to 15 medical practices and services. “One of our goals is to deliver medicine in more innovative ways that will enhance collaboration between specialties and offer convenience for patients,” said Rachel Reed, M.D., chief of staff and associate chief medical officer.

For example, the offices of OB/GYN Associates, which was the first practice to move to NexusPark in October 2023, will ultimately be located next door to Columbus Pediatrics, allowing new mothers to transition easily between postpartum visits and newborn wellness checkups. Similarly, patients whose primary care providers order lab work or therapy at their appointments can access those services just steps away.

A WELCOME CHANGE
Alison Ortman, FNP, at OB/GYN Associates, has been working in the new NexusPark office since October and has seen the benefits for patients and staff.

“This office is about three times as large as our previous facility, with 18 exam rooms, two procedure rooms, two ultrasound rooms with restrooms and plenty of space for administration, consultations, and education,” she said. “It’s accessible and welcoming for patients, and it allows our clinicians to work together more effectively.”

We look forward to seeing you at NexusPark!

 

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