NEWS
Before 2023, Fort Smith lacked medical facility options for its residents. The city had been dealing with overcrowded emergency departments and a lack of concierge-level care for the local community. After analyzing the area's market and discussing the state of local healthcare with investing physicians, Nutex Health determined the area needed additional healthcare in the form of a micro-hospital with both an emergency room and primary care options. They had previously built similar hospitals throughout Arkansas that had been successful and wanted to bring these services to the Fort Smith community.
Crafton Tull partnered with RPPY Architects to design the hospital, conveniently located near I-540 at 4701 Phoenix Avenue. Crafton Tull provided civil engineering, land surveying, and construction inspection services for the new 18,600-square-foot facility. Due to the building being located in a highly trafficked commercial area, an emergency entrance lane and a drive-thru lane were included to effectively ease traffic flow to and from the facility.
the parking lot layout is efficient for patients and medical personnel
The highly anticipated hospital offers 24/7, year-round access to outpatient and inpatient medical care. Their board-certified physicians and licensed ER doctors offer full-service, top-tier adult and pediatric emergency care to address a wide range of medical emergencies. Dr. John Weddle, DO, is a partner and medical director for the ER and hospital. He said that the hospital differs from other facilities because they offer bedside physician care, lower volumes of emergency department patients, and a more rapid workup and evaluation of most common complaints. They also maintain nurse ratios of 4:1 and employ experienced ED nurses who help facilitate the care of patients.
Weddle said the location has exceeded growth in all areas of the center, including emergency department care, observation admissions, full inpatient admissions, and development of outpatient imaging and lab services. The emergency hospital is equipped with a CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) and COLA (Commission on Office Laboratory Accreditation)-certified diagnostic laboratory to offer high-resolution diagnostic imaging capabilities for patients. The hospital staff also adopted innovative technology to diagnose bacterial and viral infections in 15 minutes with the MeMed BV Test.
full-service care is offered for a variety of medical needs
Crafton Tull Announces Acquisition of Laneshift
Crafton Tull announced Wednesday the acquisition of Bentonville-based Laneshift, which will continue to operate under the same name. Laneshift was established in 2017 by Ryan Hale and provides education and planning services focused on improving bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. The four-person team works with cities, companies, developers and advocacy groups to facilitate active transportation initiatives, including educational tours of established trail networks and a four-day professional development course called the Active Transportation Academy.
Matt Crafton Receives ACEC Top Honor
Crafton Tull and ACEC Arkansas are proud to announce that Matt Crafton, P.E., President and CEO of Crafton Tull, has been named a Fellow of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), a prestigious distinction that recognizes his outstanding contributions to the engineering profession and his dedication to the advancement of the industry. He was recognized at the 2024 ACEC National Fall Conference in New Orleans.
ACEC’s College of Fellows is a federation of engineers selected by their peers in recognition of both their professional achievements and contributions to their communities. Fellows are charged with enhancing the image of engineering and with conducting outreach to encourage and recruit future engineers. The ACEC Fellowship is the highest honor awarded by the association, presented to those who have demonstrated exemplary leadership, commitment to excellence, and significant impact in the field of engineering.
