Seton Health System embarked on a strategic planning process to address their long-term direction and hired a national medical planning firm to assist in the process. Because of Hyman Hayes Associates' successful long-standing relationship, they asked that Hyman Hayes Associates be incorporated into the planning team. The collaboration resulted in a well-received plan that addressed the hospital's needs in an economical manner.

The master plan focused on several facilities related issues that would meet space needs for the next decade. Three healthcare trends were of importance to the hospital goals: emergency departments as the new front doors, single-bed patient rooms with family spaces, and the shift from in-patient to outpatient services. These trends could not be accommodated without significant changes and additional space.

After analyzing options on the tight, steeply sloped site, the recommendation was to locate the ED in a new 15,000-sf building, with a four-story ambulatory care center/medical office building above.

The new building will provide a greater visual presence for the hospital and the reorganization will provide clearly distinguishable entrances for the ED, the hospital, and the ACC/MOB facility.