COPA Opens New Facility Following Remodel and Expansion

Central Oregon Pediatric Associates [COPA] reopened their entire facility last week in east Bend after a major expansion and remodel which began in July. The construction has streamlined patient care, increased the efficiency of the medical team, incorporated energy saving features, integrated a new electronic health record system, improved the workflow and increased the overall coordination of care among providers.

Mike Gorman of BLRB Architects in Bend designed the COPA lobby to offer a spacious, light and bright space that is welcoming, family friendly and relaxing. The lobby includes sound-proofing treatments and curved, sweeping counters with clear lines of site, designed with parents, children and providers in mind. Separate activity areas are available for younger and older children plus an optional private space for newborns and nursing moms.

Floor to ceiling windows bring the outdoors in, drawing natural light and showcasing a seasonal view of trees, flowers and green space. An urban rustic décor represents nature in the new furnishings, colors and wall treatments. Specialized décor reflects a commitment to caring for children in our community, including a gallery space currently showcasing art from students at Ponderosa Elementary.

Recessed, indirect lighting is easy on the eyes and uses a fraction of the energy compared with the previous building fixtures. A glass vestibule acts as a temperature buffer to the outdoors with floor to ceiling, low-E glass. The construction utilized low VOC paints, glues and adhesives for less toxicity and chose green labeled carpeting manufactured with recycled materials.

For the interior, Gorman designed the workplaces with flexibility in mind. There is a consistent theme of sweeping, curved counters and wide open spaces allowing for changes in workflow or technology as required. Additional skylights offer a natural glow to the soft and warm colored walls and furnishings.  Attention was paid to easier accessibility for disabled children or their parents.

The parking lot was also updated with LED lights and a new bike rack, as well as opening up the landscaping for better visibility and safety. New perennial flowers and shrubbery enhance the family experience both outside the building and from window views inside the waiting area.

SunWest Builders of Redmond was contracted to complete the project due to their experience in working with medical facilities.

Wade Miller, CEO of COPA spoke recently of the building experience, “After almost 40 years of serving this community and growing along with it, it was time to invest in a more functional facility for our families and medical providers. We absolutely focused on the patient experience, the work environment for our staff and excellent coordination of care between our nurses and providers.

“SunWest Builders understood the challenges of construction while we remained open seven days a week. We are excited to have the improvements completed and are enjoying the surprised looks on our patients’ faces as they experience the new space.  Now that this work is behind us, we’ll be better positioned to grow and continue providing the most expert care in the region for the children of Central Oregon”.

ABOUT COPA

Central Oregon Pediatric Associates (COPA) is the largest pediatric practice in Oregon outside the greater Portland area.  All COPA pediatricians are Board Certified by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Each physician has extensive medical training and experience, focusing on the specialized needs of children and receives continuing education on the advanced medical protocols for pediatric patients.

St. Charles Health System relies on COPA to treat children admitted to the hospital for serious illnesses, and conduct daily rounds in the hospital’s pediatric ward. In addition, COPA doctors are the region’s primary providers for children who have chronic illnesses, serious diseases and cancer.

COPA continues to meet the needs of the families in Central Oregon by offering 17 providers, 365 days a year, including 24/7 Pediatric Advice Nurse. COPA operates from three convenient locations in West Bend, East Bend and Redmond. Extensive health resources for parents can be found online at www.copakids.com.

For more information, contact Wade Miller, CEO at 541-389-6313 or wmiller@copakids.com.