The UT Southwestern's new William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital, which will open in December, was designed to keep patient floors quieter and cleaner by putting many routine functions involving supplies, meals and medications in more removed locations, according to an article on the Healthcare Construction + Operations website.

The 1.3 million-square-foot facility will replace the 50-year-old St. Paul University Hospital. 

The hospital’s layout helps deliveries of most supplies to bypass patient hallways, reducing noise and foot traffic while also reducing the risk of infections, the article said.

The hospital is designed in the shape of a “W” to allow for shorter hallways that reduce the distance that caregivers must walk to perform tasks, as well as to protect patient privacy.

All patient rooms also have videoconferencing capabilities to connect caregivers with their patients. Flat-screen monitors used for videoconferencing will also be equipped with cameras so that patients can stay connected with family and friends.

Read the article.