Context
The reconstruction of the Rehabilitation Centre at Vidzeme Hospital is project to create a unified and modern facility for the residents of the Vidzeme region. The chosen category precisely defines the project – a transition from fragmented infrastructure to a place where the patient’s journey and safety come first. By expanding the area from 485 m² to 2642 m², an environment was created where services follow the patient.
The unused gym wing was revitalised, preserving load-bearing structures and adding an intermediate floor. This sustainable approach allowed for efficient use of resources and reduced construction waste.
Specialists participated in the interior planning process to ensure that rooms are functional for both staff and patients. Wayfinding signage was placed based on real observations of where patients most often became disoriented, creating an intuitive navigation system.
The outdoor area was improved by creating a separate car park and adapted walkways, allowing patients with mobility impairments and parents with strollers to conveniently access the centre without crossing the hospital’s main traffic flow.
Physical barriers have been eliminated, doors widened, and a direct connection to the inpatient unit. Established. Sustainable construction and modern technologies, combined with patient comfort, serve as an example of contemporary healthcare.
Objectives
The goal was to strengthen Vidzeme Hospital’s infrastructure by ensuring integrated healthcare. Challenges included service fragmentation and limited space. Specialists and procedures were located in different hospital areas, complicating the patient journey and hindering collaboration. Due to the old centre’s size, it was impossible to introduce modern technologies or group sessions, making evidence-based therapy difficult.
The solution was reconstructing the old gymnasium into a two-storey Rehabilitation Centre. This centralised all services, eliminating unnecessary patient movement between floors and departments. Centralisation improved efficiency and epidemiological compliance by zoning patient flows. With expanded space, the range of services increased by approximately 25%, specialists by about 36%, and patient visits by about 33%, improving accessibility for Vidzeme region residents. Unique robotic technologies and pneumatic training equipment were introduced, providing precise results and accelerating recovery after injuries or strokes.
Another objective was improving accessibility by adapting the environment to user needs. A separate parking area and walkways for mobility-impaired people were created. Facilities including a baby care room, showers, a pool, and group session rooms were introduced. The new layout and direct connection to the inpatient Rehabilitation Department ensure continuity of care. Every element serves a purposeful and patient-centred rehabilitation process.
Implementation
The project’s development and implementation were led by an experienced project management group, consisting of the Vidzeme Hospital working group leader, project manager, construction project manager, lawyer, and accountant. To ensure the centre’s functional compliance with medical requirements, close and active collaboration with Rehabilitation Centre specialists took place during the planning phase. Their practical experience served as the foundation for the spatial layout and the creation of new services. Additionally, to adopt best practices and avoid planning errors, the team went on experience exchange visits to Latvia’s most modern rehabilitation centres, integrating the insights gained into the new work organisation plan.
During the implementation phase, regular work supervision was ensured – construction meetings were held every two weeks with the participation of the contractor, construction supervisor, and author supervisor. The procurement process’s transparency and fair competition were guaranteed by the hospital’s procurement commission, while management transparency was ensured through regular reporting to the hospital’s board and shareholders.
Importantly, the project proceeded in close coordination with the Ministry of Health and the Central Finance and Contracting Agency, ensuring compliance with national healthcare priorities and investment objectives.