When Rush Memorial Hospital set out to build a new clinic in Milroy, Indiana, the goal was more than just expanding access. It was about redefining what rural healthcare can look and feel like. Partnering with Design Collaborative, the hospital created a facility that blends clinical excellence with human-centered design, serving as a model for care delivery, a reflection of community identity, and a catalyst for better healthcare access.
This session, presented by Bill Ledger and Joyce Geis, Vice President of Provider Services at Rush Memorial Hospital, will discuss how thoughtful design and operational collaboration addressed site challenges, cultural considerations for the local Amish population, and long-term adaptability. Attendees will gain insight into how the team balanced budget discipline with patient-centered design to create a welcoming, efficient, and resilient healthcare environment.
Through the lens of the Milroy Clinic, Rush Memorial Hospital and Design Collaborative will share lessons learned in creating a rural healthcare space that fosters trust, comfort, and community pride. The project demonstrates how thoughtful design can be a powerful tool for improving outcomes and access in underserved areas.