Healthcare construction projects are required to meet specific criteria involving a specialized approach to the entire build. Intentional collaboration with the healthcare experts who will be utilizing the building is essential for the success of a new healthcare facility. Of course, finding the right construction partner will greatly impact the success of healthcare construction projects. Along with finding the right partner, what else should you consider? 

Healthcare Construction is Different From Other Construction Projects

Healthcare construction projects require specialized expertise with not only the safety of patients and healthcare providers to consider but also the future of the facility and its ability to hold up to technological advances. As with most projects, budget is an important factor to consider with new healthcare construction projects. This has to be taken into account in every way of the project: patient safety, compliance and adaptability, environmentally friendly, and of course, the technology and potential technology advancements  

Top Considerations for Your Next Healthcare Construction Project

Working with a full-service construction management company, like Tonn and Blank, provides you with expertise to ensure your next healthcare project is on track and completed well. While the list of considerations could seem extensive, it is important to work with a trusted partner to ensure your project is exceeding needs and expectations. From patient safety to incorporating the latest and greatest technology, the construction partnership you chose for your next healthcare project should take these into account.

Building a replacement hospital like the Franciscan Health Michigan City Replacement Hospital is a complex undertaking involving multiple considerations specific to healthcare facilities. Here are the top considerations for healthcare construction when replacing a hospital:

Patient Safety and Infection Control

Patient safety is crucial for any new healthcare facility. Patients should feel safe and well cared for and this requires unique intentionality in the project. The Speciality Physicians of Illinois – Family Medicine and Walkin-in Clinic was a project where safety and intentionality had to be top of mind. Placing this facility in an easy-to-access place with advanced finishes allows patients to safely receive medical attention quickly.

The Elkhart General Hospital – Beacon Health System required the Tonn and Blank team to take extra precautions to follow the Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA). This is a strict set of guidelines requiring the control of dust, noise, and contaminants during construction to avoid infection risks. Healthcare facilities must take into consideration the proper airflow and ventilation allowing the facility to maintain sterile environments and isolate specific areas like operating rooms.

Compliance, Adaptability, and Phased Construction

Like all construction projects, some codes and regulations have to be met. There are specific building codes that have to be considered along with sanitation and protocols required for healthcare facilities. Not only will a trusted construction partner meet the expectations of today, but they’ll also build with the future in mind keeping the space adaptable for future needs and future growth. 

When the Tonn and Blank team began the Franciscan Health Michigan City Replacement Hospital, the goal was to design a hospital that focused on patient health, which is constantly changing and expanding. A replacement hospital often needs to be built while the existing facility remains in operation requiring construction to take a phased approach. 

Phased construction also calls for intentional and constant communication with hospital staff ensuring construction activities do not interfere with essential services like emergency rooms or ICUs. Temporary structures or rerouting access must be set up to maintain hospital services during construction

Environmental and Economical 

There is always the option to make use of more environmentally friendly materials and supplies but you never want to compromise quality, and in this case, patient safety. Finding a construction partner that knows the ins and outs of materials and what will meet specific needs is crucial. When working on the Speciality Physicians of Illinois – Family Medicine and Walkin-in Clinic project, the Tonn and Blank team wanted to be sure to incorporate natural lighting. Patients and healthcare providers are positively impacted by additional natural lighting while the entire facility benefited from the environmental aspects of preserving power and limiting various exposures to different types of artificial lighting. 

Meeting Technology Needs

While the latest technology is attractive for patients and healthcare providers, it is essential for new healthcare facilities. This keeps the facility up to date on the necessary technology while setting it up for the future to continue meeting technology needs. The facility needs to have the infrastructure designed for tech while making space for necessary data protection requirements. Medical equipment planning is a huge factor in ensuring the seamless integration of advanced medical technology, diagnostic equipment, and IT infrastructure.

The Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute is a state-of-the-art facility Tonn and Blank was the construction manager on featuring high-end technology seamlessly integrated into the design of the entire facility. Not only is this new facility up to date on current technology, thanks to future-proofing, it will easily accommodate technological advancements, upgrades, or changes in care delivery like robotic surgery. 

With the Franciscan Health Michigan City Replacement Hospital, the Tonn and Blank team incorporated modular design which utilizes adaptable layouts allowing for future changes without significant disruption. 

Healthcare Construction Needs for A Successful Project

Finding a construction partner that you trust is essential to a successful project. The construction team at Tonn and Blank puts the needs of patients and healthcare providers first when it comes to building healthcare facilities. Safety and patient adaptability are essential to successful projects. Staying up to date with technology needs and environmental standards will put your next healthcare project at the top of the list for incredible facilities exceeding the needs of others.  

If you’re interested in learning more about our past healthcare projects, visit our website to see the latest and greatest projects we’ve completed.