Seton Healthcare is pumping $5 million into Seton Northwest Hospital to update the look of the hospital after patient feedback indicated many were dissatisfied with its appearance.

"What we have been hearing is that although the care they receive at Seton Northwest is excellent, the look of Seton Northwest is dated," said Michelle Robertson, president and CEO of Seton North Group of Hospitals, which includes Seton Northwest.

Designs for the remodel are in progress, and the work will take about eight months to finish, with it wrapping up this fall. Because Seton is a faith-based organization, she said the focus is on healing the whole person, and this refresh will match that philosophy. Robertson said the updated dcor will have a more holistic look and involve natural elements such as wood and stone.

"There is data out there that shows when people are in a natural type of environment, there is less visual distraction," she said. "Being human beings, nature is something that should be soothing to us. A lot of people associate nature with peace as long as it is a quiet environment."

New flooring, fixtures and more comfortable furniture that has a less industrial look are also included in the remodel. The color palette will be the same as Dell Children's and Seton Southwest hospitals, the latter of which also underwent a remodel. On a larger scale, Robertson said the Seton Northwest refresh goes beyond the cosmetic.

"The bigger picture is we are reinvesting in Seton Northwest and are developing a whole line of new programs," she said.

The hospital has already launched its Ignite women's health program that offers heart health screenings and boot camps to engage women in the community. Robertson said the hospital is looking to engage local schools and host joint events with the YMCA as their missions are similar.

"Significant growth has occurred in Northwest Austin; the buildings, the neighborhoods have grown significantly," she said. "A significant number of apartment complexes are there. How can we help with that type of community? Before, [the area] was smaller neighborhoods."

With the schools, Robertson said Seton Northwest can work with educators on providing information in areas such as helping to keep children with asthma safe at school. She said the hospital would also like to partner with local employers to offer wellness clinics and screenings in an effort to lower health care costs, enhance employee productivity and improve wellness in Central Texas overall.

"Seton has always taken a leadership role with the community," Robertson said.