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

Ambulatory Care Facilities Reshape FM Strategies

Facilities management playbooks were written for acute care facilities, but ambulatory sites require a different approach.


Intermountain Foundation Receives $150M Gift for Children's Hospital in Nevada

Intermountain Health Felicia and Ben Horowitz Children’s Hospital is expected to open in 2030 at the UNLV Harry Reid Research and Technology Park in southwest Las Vegas.


Texas HHSC Reaches Construction Milestone for Wichita Falls State Hospital

The $452 million, 225-bed replacement hospital will provide inpatient psychiatric care and is expected to be completed in late 2027.


Preparing Healthcare Facilities for Wildfire Air Quality Events

Wildfire smoke puts pressure on mechanical systems already working hard to maintain controlled indoor environments.


UW Health Set to Open Expansion at East Madison Hospital

The $140 million project adds 120,000 square feet to the hospital, expanding its footprint to roughly 620,000 square feet.


 
 


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.