The Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center opened its doors at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, May 7. Designed with the patient in mind, this spacious 490,000 square foot, 314-bed hospital combines cutting-edge technology with a peaceful, patient-centered atmosphere. The new hospital offers:

• All private patient rooms with space for plenty of space for family members and visitors
• 24-hour Emergency Department, featuring 51 private rooms
• 24-hour pharmacy
• Bright and airy café with outside patio seating
• A healing garden and meditation room
• Room service-style meals for patients

More than 20 specialty services are available at the new hospital, including a Cardiac Catheterization Lab, Labor & Delivery, Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Units, and – coming in 2014 – Cardiac Surgery Services.

The new Fontana hospital is based on Kaiser Permanente’s template design that represents the next generation of Kaiser Permanente facilities. Its design allows for enhanced flexibility to accommodate changing practices and technologies, such as the addition of “green” features to the building. It is also designed to meet the new, more rigorous seismic safety standards.

“This hospital is all about the clinical and personal needs of our patients,” said Dr. David Quam, Area Medical Director and Chief of Staff. “Our technology is state of the art, and our healing environment focuses on personalized care. Our exceptional team of physicians and staff is committed to providing patients with the best preventive and medical care.”

“Our new Fontana Hospital is one of the largest, greenest, and most technologically advanced ever built in the area,” said Greg Christian, Executive Director, Kaiser Foundation Hospitals/Health Plan, San Bernardino County Area. “This investment symbolizes our commitment to the health of all people who live and work in the Inland Empire.”

All patient rooms are private with an acoustic design that reduces noise. Walls are decorated with warm colors and artwork – created by local artists and specially commissioned for this hospital. A family-friendly environment offers space for overnight stays and wireless Internet access, amenities which enhance the overall care experience. Numerous large windows maximize natural light which eases stress, is good for the environment, and contributes to a better patient experience.

The hospital’s labor and delivery suites have a home-like setting yet contain all of the equipment needed to assist with labor, non-surgical delivery and recovery. The neonatal intensive care unit is nearby, ready to care for those babies who may require an additional level of care.

Patient meals in the new hospital will be prepared utilizing the French-inspired sous vide method for cooking food, which is used in the finest hotels. Patients can also order their meals room service-style – select their menu choices and indicate the time they’d prefer meals to be delivered.

The Fontana Medical Center incorporates advanced technology at every opportunity. Kaiser Permanente’s electronic medical record system is accessible by computer terminals next to each bed and at nursing stations, allowing providers to retrieve essential medical information at the touch of a finger. Sophisticated imaging systems improve diagnostic and treatment capabilities. A wall-to-wall wireless network provides wireless network coverage in all areas of the new hospital to support computing devices, wireless telephones, and member access. Free Wi-Fi service throughout the facility.

Numerous environmentally-friendly design and operational features ensure that this new hospital is a place of health for the planet, too. Some of its green features include:

• White, heat-reflective roof to reduce interior cooling needs
• Use of reclaimed water for landscaping and cooling towers
• Eco-friendly wall coverings and flooring
• Furniture and fixtures that use fewer toxic chemicals
• Dual-glazed exterior windows
• Energy-efficient lighting, electrical and plumbing systems
• Use of green cleaning products by housekeeping staff
• Campus-wide recycling program

The new Kaiser Permanente Fontana hospital was designed by HMC Architects of Ontario, CA. The General Contractor is McCarthy Building Companies, Newport Beach, CA.