CREJ - Healthcare Properties - September 2016
Why do we choose the health care market for construction? There are many trends in health care that provide sources for new construction. New technologies, the retailization of health care, the move from the campus into the neighborhood, and the development of urgent care, stand-alone emergency departments and ambulatory surgery centers are just a few examples. Certainly the consistency in health care construction spending creates financial viability. However, the “why” also is about the difference that each project makes for a specific practice, organization or community. There are project drivers behind the trends: How does the technology change the patient experience? How does the renovation change patient flow? How does the building provide an organizational and community home? How does the building material change the feeling? How does the focus on environment change the length of stay? While new technological advancements spur construction, they also impact the patient experience. Imaging is clearer, allowing more procedures to be done less invasively, ultimately minimizing impacts to patients. One of our projects nearing completion is the hybrid operating room at Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center in Denver. One of the components of the renovation was the addition of a room for neonatal surgery so that a mother having a C-section can have surgery in the OR while her newborn child can be treated in the adjacent space within the surgical theater. In the process of design and construction, we find new ways to make the space better for both the staff and patients. Recently, during a box walk review of the rough-ins for an interventional radiology project, the doctors and nurses walked through the procedures and determined the spatial constraints of the room. In the process, it was determined that the C-arm swing of the X-ray would be in conflict with required storage cabinet, resulting in the shifting of the bed center. In addition, the light levels and locations during procedures were reviewed and minor adjustments were made. The collaboration between the staff and the design and construction teams led to a better solution to work flow and environmental conditions for the staff. Clinica Family Health is an organization that exemplifies why we work in health care. We recently got to know this organization better when it announced the development of a new facility to advance its ability to deliver on its mission by expanding its reach in the community and centralizing its administration. Its mission is to provide health care to low-income and other underserved people in its community. Clinica has a model of care called the “patient centered medical home,” which facilitates access to health care, engagement by the patient, relationships and trust in the delivery of care. From open scheduling to the “pod” layout and team care approach, the mission is about making a difference for patients, breaking down the barriers to health care and providing a path to healthy living. Over the course of my career, I have had the opportunity to work with Children’s Hospital Colorado. What stands out through all of their projects, from the construction of the new hospital at Fitzsimons Campus to the wayfinding project at the original Downing Street Campus, is the difference each project – large or small – makes to the clinicians, nurses, doctors, the community and to young patients and their families. As an example, I recall walking a project in the NICU where the P-Tube station needed to be relocated to a nurse station. While reviewing the project and discussing logistics, interim life-safety and infection control measures, the Flight for Life team entered the unit wheeling in the tiniest of babies that I had ever seen. Standing there, looking at dust protection options at one instant and then at an infant that we would ultimately be protecting the next, the reality of the moment struck me. Everything we did, everything we discussed, and all the strategy and thought had real meaning and purpose. Having four of my own children, I have had my share of visits to Children’s Hospital. The broken bones and the “barfies” all gave me time, while sitting in the waiting rooms, to reflect. It is times like these, when you are focused on family, that what our industry does in health care design and construction makes its true impact. I experienced first-hand how stresses are eased by family centered design, children are distracted from their illness by playgrounds and spirits are lifted by use of natural light and color. The ever-changing landscape in health care brings consistent work through related construction projects. The strength of the market breeds competition. There is a financial stake for contractors in the health care market and we are all trying to find our way. For me, it is more than the market, the trend or the viability. It is the “why.” Why health care? Because every health care project makes a difference.