Minnesota Marvel

The Orthopedic Institute is the ultimate one-stop shop for all patients’ ortho needs.

The Orthopedic Institute, a value-based partnership between the independent Twin Cities Orthopedics (TCO) practice and the Ridgeview health system, opened its doors to patients in November 2023. In just five months, the two-floor, 54,000-square-foot specialty care Institute — which houses six state-of-the-art ORs; a modern, spacious lobby; a cutting-edge sterile processing department; and an enviable breakroom — has performed more than 1,000 surgeries and word-of-mouth has reached well beyond Minnesota.

Let’s take a look inside the Midwest’s impressive new hospital for orthopedic care.

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Warm and welcoming

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The Orthopedic Institute design team says every detail — from the choice of artwork to the selection of materials — was deliberately curated to inspire, comfort and empower patients on their journey to wellness. The goal was to blend art, finishes and textures in a seamless manner. For instance, as patients and their caregivers enter the Institute, they are greeted by stunning paintings that are consistent with the nature motif chosen to instill a calm, inviting atmosphere that epitomizes comfort and relaxation.

First-impression focus

In a departure from conventional hospital ambiance, the Orthopedic Institute was carefully designed to provide the feel of a boutique hotel. Even within expansive spaces, there’s an atmosphere that feels both grand and intimate, with carefully partitioned areas, the design team says. The lobby — the site of the critical “five-minute space” in which most visitors’ impressions are formed and solidified — is divided into distinct sections, offering varied lighting and seating options for optimal comfort and privacy. This ensures a welcoming and accommodating experience for all who enter.

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To bolster comfort, natural lighting floods the space through large windows, offering scenic views that promote a sense of connection to the outdoors and contribute to the overall well-being of patients and staff. Complementing this natural light, LED fixtures are integrated into the design, providing efficient and adjustable illumination throughout the facility. The lighting system also includes dimmable options, allowing for precise control at different times of the day and create varying atmospheres as needed.

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Speed, safety and efficiency to the core

The six ORs, PACU and pre-op areas at the Orthopedic Institute are structured with a “racetrack concept” that features a sterile processing department center core at the heart of the layout. This design minimizes airflow disruption, streamlines access to supplies and ensures efficient movement of clean and dirty materials. Interesting fact: During the design phase, stakeholders used virtual reality (VR) software to collaborate with the design and construction team. VR allowed them to visualize and refine workflow dynamics, enabling timely adjustments and optimizations.

In or out

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As a hospital-based department, the Orthopedic Institute accommodates inpatients and outpatients, with many patients going home on the day of their surgery or on post-op day one. That’s why there are 20 private suites dedicated to post-surgical care and recovery. Plus, an onsite rehabilitation space offers physical therapy and exercise programs. This ultimately helps improve and expedite patient recoveries. OSM