Keeping hospital physical plants relevant

Healthcare design must look at the future as well as today's needs


When architects were considering the infrastructure needs of the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital during a renovation project, they looked at the facility’s future as well as immediate needs, according to an article on the Health Facilities Management website.

“The existing plant was from the 1890s, and we had to take a large step back to make sure the mechanical and electrical systems would work for today and for future expansion,” Krista McDonald Biason, associate vice president of HGA, said in the article.

The changes in reimbursement, a growing senior population and other trends are driving the need for more flexible facilities.

Such unpredictability required flexibility because it does not make sense to spend $100 million on a building that may be made obsolete by changing conditions, the article said.

Read the article.

 

 



February 13, 2015



Recent Posts

Disinfectant Contact Time: The Case for Biofilm Disruption

Contact time, while essential for compliance, does not reliably predict microbial reduction on actual healthcare surfaces.


Texas HHSC Reaches Construction Milestone for Panhandle State Hospital in Amarillo

Construction is expected to be completed in fall 2027.


Mon General Succumbs to Phishing Cyberattack

Its investigation ultimately determined that an unauthorized party gained access to certain Mon General email mailboxes on May 6, 2026.


The HVAC Dilemma: To Repair or Replace?

Healthcare facilities that keep repairing and optimizing aging systems past their useful life spend money on a problem they cannot solve without capital investment.


Department of Veterans Affairs Signs Lease for Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in Kentucky

Construction and facility preparation are expected to be completed by the winter of 2027, and the first patient should be seen by spring 2028.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.