Twenty hospitals were named to healthcare staffing firm Soliant’s 2025 Most Beautiful Hospitals list, which recognizes both architectural beauty and quality of care.

Leaders from eight of the hospitals shared with Becker’s how redesigned spaces have improved patient flow in the past year.

Note: Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Mary Beckerle, PhD. CEO of Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah (Salt Lake City): At Huntsman Cancer Institute, we are committed to being on the leading edge to deliver an exceptional patient experience. As one recent example, we updated our radiation oncology and radiology check-in areas to serve more patients simultaneously, significantly reducing wait times. This builds on our previous efforts in 2023 when we opened more dedicated consultation rooms and waiting room spaces in our new hospital, and four state-of-the-art surgical suites, enhancing the ability to perform sophisticated cancer surgeries.

Chris Clark, DO. President of AHN Saint Vincent Hospital (Erie, Pa.): Our clinical decision unit was another important investment in Allegheny Health Network’s ongoing efforts to improve the patient experience and throughput at every touchpoint of the care journey. Saint Vincent has one of the state’s busiest emergency departments, and those high volumes can create long wait times for patients and their families. This beautiful new CDU has meaningfully helped to minimize those long stays in the ED and enable us to care for patients more effectively and efficiently. It perfectly aligns with our organization’s Living Health model and goal of providing remarkable, high-quality health experiences and outcomes for those we serve.

Anne Hubling, DNP, RN. President and Chief Nurse Executive of Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital (Wheaton, Ill.): At Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital, our priority is to create a healing and therapeutic environment. Over the past year, we renovated our outpatient therapy gyms to enhance patient care and improve workflow for therapists. The new design not only optimizes treatment space but also facilitates better access for patient services. Moreover, we have integrated our beautiful campus gardens and natural surroundings into the therapeutic experience, featuring improved outdoor spaces that can be incorporated into treatment programs.

Cynthia McGuire. President and CEO of Monadnock Community Hospital (Peterborough, N.H.): In the past year, our medical-surgical unit underwent a major renovation to improve patient flow, safety and independence. Key updates include a new therapy team office and on-unit gym for faster, more personalized rehabilitation, an expanded nurses’ station with enhanced monitoring and communication tools, and ADA-accessible shower and tub room that support safe practices before discharge. These changes have streamlined care delivery, strengthened collaboration and created a more efficient, patient-centered healing environment.

Clint Miller, BSN, RN. Chief Nursing Officer at Spooner (Wis.) Health: We recently repurposed part of our facility to better support our rehabilitation services department, adding a second gym space to provide greater privacy during treatment sessions. We’re committed to continually enhancing our services with a focus on improving the patient experience.

Bill Phillips. COO of University Health (San Antonio): The University Health Women’s & Children’s Hospital has only been open 18 months, and our original design was done with optimal patient flow in mind, in front- and back-of-house layout, OR and elevator placement. Our NICU has private rooms but also high-visibility rooms for multiples and the highest-risk infants. We see these elements working well, along with increased infant protection design on all floors to make sure access is limited to those who have guest bands for each floor. The human element of design is also crucial: We have increased the number of ambassadors who can assist with access questions and ensure families get where they need to go quickly. And in what has been proven to ease anxiety and reduce tension, our SaludArte healing arts program creates comfortable and beautiful spaces — both public and private — clinically proven to encourage healing for patients and peace of mind for the team.

Rolla Sweis, PharmD. President and CEO of La Rabida Children’s Hospital (Chicago): Our newly expanded and improved inpatient unit represents a significant milestone in La Rabida’s commitment to providing critical medical services to children with complex medical conditions, chronic illnesses and rehabilitation needs. This redesign has allowed us to meet the growing demands we’re seeing in the community and underscores our dedication to ensuring that every child receives the highest quality of care in a compassionate and family-friendly environment, regardless of the family’s ability to pay.

1. We’ve designated the entire second floor as one inpatient space, including additional patient rooms (we like to call them cabins). Additionally, every room on the unit has been updated with integrated technology and equipment, making it easier to provide bedside care.

2. The redesign also provides more opportunities for patients to be out of their rooms, including a dedicated inpatient playroom that was precisely designed to accommodate the healthcare and developmental needs of our patient population. This in-unit play space provides easy access to play and therapy space to all patients on the unit with complexities that may prevent them from visiting our first-floor playroom.

3. We’ve also redesigned how the inpatient unit is accessed: through a central welcome area. Now, all visitors pass through this area before entering the actual patient care space, a best practice for safety and security.

Monte Wilson. CEO of Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital (Alexandria, La.): Being named one of the most beautiful hospitals in the U.S. is a reflection of our commitment to innovation and healing-centered design. Our newly redesigned simulation center — with smart functionality and cutting-edge technology — has transformed how we train caregivers and optimize patient flow, bringing education into the 21st century.

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