OHSU ADA Improvement Projects: Moving Forward to Improve Physical Access to OHSU
02/17/09 Portland, OR
In keeping with Vision 2020’s commitment to improve the accessibility of OHSU, two recent projects have been completed to improve patient and OHSU community member access and safety.
Sam Jackson Hall/Hospital Entrance
In November 2008 the Sam Jackson Hall ADA Improvement Project was completed, which upgraded the street and surrounding areas between the entrances to Sam Jackson Hall (SJH) and the Hospital’s 9th floor lobby. This project was identified as a priority by the OHSU Physical Access Committee (PAC) and construction was completed by Turner Construction. A diverse team of people worked in collaboration to make this project possible, including representatives from the PAC, Hospital Administration, Patient Services, Volunteer Services, Parking & Transportation, Concierge Services, Facilities Maintenance, Facilities & Real Estate, Ambulatory Services and Patient Transportation. Thoughtful planning and coordination was necessary because this project required the temporary closing of the main hospital entrance and relocation of the patient drop off/pick up location.
The new accessibility improvements include: the addition and expansion of curb ramps; expansion of the ADA accessible drop-off zone; creation of a single accessible ramp near the ADA accessible drop-off zone; installation of a 5” raised concrete walkway; and enhanced drainage system. Overall these improvements increase accessibility, safety and appearance of the area for everyone. In particular, patients have expressed their appreciation for these improvements, confirming that accessibility is a key component of service excellence.
The PAC would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and patience during the planning and improvement process.
Relocation and Improvement of TriMet LIFT Service Stop and Additional Accessible Patient Drop Off /Pick Up Area
The second project, initiated by Ambulatory Services Administration and the PAC, entails relocating the TriMet LIFT service stop and offering an additional accessible patient drop off/pick up location near the east entrance of SJH. This new accessible location is available for use effective February 17, 2009, and is designed to improve patient and visitor access to OHSU .
This area was the original location for the TriMet LIFT service stop several years ago but was moved to prepare for the implementation of valet parking at Physicians Pavilion. With the move of many practices to the Center for Health and Healing, as well as the opening of Kohler Pavilion, the volume of vehicles using the Physicians Pavilion garage has decreased. These changes, combined with the success of valet parking, have provided OHSU with the opportunity to relocate the TriMet LIFT service stop and offer additional medical transportation van and patient drop off/pick up access in this area. Additionally, the first floor east entrance of SJH offers patients a more pleasant and comfortable welcome to OHSU with a breezeway that is covered, scheduled installation of two curb ramps, additional signage, automated doors to SJH, and the option for an internal or external route; thereby, increasing both the safety and accessibility of patients and visitors.
To assist drivers in locating the drop off/pick up area, the roadway has been renamed ‘Pavilion Loop.’ Signage will be installed over the next few weeks to identify the roadway and the specific drop off/pick up area. During the initial week of the relocation, staff was posted at the basement entrance to redirect vehicles to the new location. Thank you to everyone who participated in making this important accessibility improvement occur.
If you have specific questions or concerns about these projects please feel free to contact the Physical Access Committee at: pac@ohsu.edu.
