Lighting Lighting for the building is accomplished with full spectrum, compact fluorescent lights. This reduces the energy expen- diture for lighting by about 88 per cent, saving approximately $5,000 annually in comparison to an equivalent amount of incandescent light. Numerous large win- dows also serve as a source of passive so- lar light – and heat in the winter – again reducing energy costs. concrete overpour versus the traditional 1.5 inch concrete overpour used with most wood fl oor systems. This enhances the effi ciency of radiant heat. Finally, the fl oor has been great at mini- mizing the noise, resulting from the drop- ping of the adjusting tables on the main fl oor, to the offi ce space below. The result is that those offi ces are more attractive to potential renters. EFFECTS ON OPERATIONAL COSTS Up to this point, the docs have been pleas- antly surprised with their operational costs. When comparing the utility costs of their old offi ce – 3,000 square feet – with the new offi ce -7,000 square feet – the opera- tional costs have been substantially less, as hydro is the only utility in use. OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL AVENUES Effi ciency and environmental awareness also includes record keeping practices in which paper is “out” and digital is “in”. The Chambers have installed a software system, which allows the doctors to record and access all components of patient fi les digitally, including x-rays and other scans, while at each adjusting table. The system has enhanced communica- tion between the staff and the doctors, as well as served as a platform to access educational information for patients in- stantly. Even more signifi cant for patients is the ease with which patient care can be tracked when an individual is receiving treatment by multiple providers within the office. ABOUT THE WELLNESS TEAM Stratford Chiropractic & Wellness Centre currently has three chiropractors (Drs. Chambers and Dr. Pip Penrose), two mas- sage therapists, a vitalistic physiothera- pist and four naturopaths. The clients of the centre are thrilled to have access to various holistic professionals, who are in close enough proximity to make collabo- ration effortless. While expanding the wellness centre over the last number of years, the docs were very selective, adding only pro- fessionals with similar visions and ap- proaches to health. They believe this has been critical to the effectiveness of their team. The business model of Stratford Chiro- practic & Wellness Centre clearly delineates between business and profes- sionalism. All of the providers in the building are independent contractors, and no individual profi ts are made from referrals to each other. Referrals are made solely in the best interest of the patient – a strategy which should be obvious. The relationships between the practitioners are, thereby, kept clean and professional. While the entire building process spanned a stressful two years, the Cham- berses feel it has been well worth the effort. However, they would not have been able to enjoy the journey, as much as they did, without the help and vision of their team. Dr. Pip Penrose, and the exceptional sup- port staff, have all exercised great patience in waiting for moving day and through- out the transition process. The docs feel truly blessed, each day, to work in the company of great colleagues and friends in their “green” dream practice. In the end, the project was a huge suc- cess with Stratford Chiropractic & Well- ness Centre recently winning the “Build- ers Award” as the most impressive new commercial building in Stratford and the surrounding area. • 30 • CANADIAN CHIROPRACTOR | DECEMBER 2008 www.canadianchiropractor.ca
Chiropractic + Naturopathic Doctor December 08: Page 30
