Margulies Perruzzi Architects designed Reliant Medial Group’s new ReadyMED PLUS healthcare facility located in Worcester, Massachusetts.

ReadyMED PLUS is a great example of how Reliant Medical Group, a multi-specialty healthcare system, is committed to delivering healthcare that’s most convenient for the way people live today. Located at 366 Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, Mass., ReadyMED PLUS is a 14,000 SF urgent care, diagnostic imaging and infusion suite facility. It’s Reliant’s fifth walk-in medical care clinic in central Massachusetts to offer convenient, non-emergency medical services for adults and children. The “PLUS” at this location represents a new concept for ReadyMED: the addition of an infusion suite for a variety of needs, from hydration to antibiotics, and expanded diagnostic imaging services including CT scan, X-ray and ultrasound. Having collaborated on several prior ReadyMED facilities as well as other projects, Reliant engaged Margulies Perruzzi Architects (MPA) and Cutler Associates to design/build the facility, which is also the new home of Reliant’s Adult and Pediatric Urgent Care services.

ReadyMED PLUS was newly constructed on a highly visible corner of a retail overlay district in Worcester. To promote a more active streetscape, MPA designed ReadyMED PLUS as a hub for this neighborhood, siting the building prominently on the corner and placing the parking lot for 73 cars adjacent to the building. Introducing an infusion suite within an urgent care center with adjacent parking provides patients with the most comfortable and convenient way to receive intravenous antibiotics and chronic-illness infusion drugs.

The ReadyMED PLUS facility features three medical suites (urgent care, imaging, and infusion) and a large reception area with electronic self-service check-in kiosks and a concierge-style greeter for information and assistance. Reliant recognized the symbiosis of care between the three medical spaces, as urgent care patients often need several services and greater medical supervision. Reliant and MPA utilized the LEAN design process to design a welcoming, efficient clinic that optimizes space, improves operational flow, and provides a positive patient experience.

The infusion suite provides 10 bays in a combination of private and more open settings. The imaging suite offers readily available x-ray, ultrasound, and CT scan radiology. Lastly, the urgent care suite is divided into two pods of eight exam rooms each, with a section designated for pediatrics. While each pod can operate independently at lower volume, the interaction between the pods provides collaboration between providers during busy times.

Focused on patient convenience, the design concept for ReadyMED PLUS aims to demystify the relationship between patient and healthcare provider. This is achieved using transparency throughout the space to create a comfortable, attractive environment, while also maintaining patient privacy. MPA’s design splits the waiting area into two spaces, with one designated for healthy infusion patients only and the larger main waiting area containing a child-friendly space. A wall of glass separates the waiting area from the clinical spaces, providing patients with a glimpse of activity. The interior finishes were chosen to give the waiting area a “living room” quality.

Architect: Margulies Perruzzi Architects
Construction Manager: Cutler Associates
Photographer: Warren Patterson Photography