Beaumont urology center is a model of earth friendliness

It's not easy being green, even more so in a hospital. But Beaumont Hospitals has found a way to do just that in its new Women's Urology Center in Royal Oak.

The $1.6 million project capitalized on as many sustainability opportunities as possible in the 4,200-square-foot building. That's not necessarily as simple as regular construction because of all of the regulations and nuances that must be followed in medical buildings.

Among the green features are cork flooring (which also helps with sound absorption), cabinetry made from recycled products, low VOC paints, and recycling options throughout the building. Even urinary sample containers will be sterilized and recycled so they don't end up in a landfill.

"It doesn't sound like a lot, but it's a lot as far as hospitals go because we use a lot of resources," says Donna Carrico, a nurse practitioner and clinical director of the Women's Urology Center.

This is the first center in the Midwest dedicated and designed exclusively for women's urological care and sexual health. It evaluates and treat maladies associated with urinary frequency or urgency, urinary incontinence, interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome, unexplained pelvic pain, vulvar pain, sexual problems or pain associated with sex, and post-cancer treatment for vaginal discomfort or dryness.

A $5 million gift from Susan E. Cooper of Birmingham, a long-time member of the Boards of Directors of Beaumont Hospitals and the Beaumont Foundation, made construction of this center possible.

Source: Donna Carrico, a nurse practitioner and clinical director of the Women's Urology Center
Writer: Jon Zemke