If you’re planning a healthcare construction project, there are a number of important considerations that you should keep in mind. As a leading general contractor in Eastern Pennsylvania, DESCCO Design & Construction has extensive experience in designing and building healthcare facilities, and we know what it takes to create a successful project. In this post, we’ll share some key considerations that you should keep in mind when planning your next healthcare construction project.
Compliance with Regulations and Standards
One of the most important considerations for healthcare construction projects is compliance with regulations and standards. Healthcare facilities are subject to strict regulations from government agencies, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Healthcare facilities are also subject to a number of industry standards, such as those set forth by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA). As such, it’s crucial to work with a contractor like DESCCO who has extensive experience in a variety of healthcare construction projects and is familiar with all the applicable regulations and standards.
Patient Safety and Comfort
When designing a healthcare facility, patient safety and comfort should be top priorities. Patients who are sick or injured require a space that is calm, peaceful, and conducive to healing. This means that noise levels, lighting, and temperature should all be carefully considered. In addition, healthcare facilities should be designed to minimize the risk of infection, with features such as antimicrobial surfaces and air purification systems.
For example, last year our team collaborated with Dr. Laurel DeMaula, our client, to enhance the Royersford Veterinary Hospital’s building to better cater to the evolving requirements that both patients and staff needed to do their jobs. Our key improvements included the addition of three new exam rooms, a pharmacy, and a dental surgery area. Furthermore, the facility’s comfort and air quality were enhanced when we installed new airflow and climate controls.
Functionality and Flexibility
Healthcare facilities must be designed to accommodate a wide range of functions and services, from diagnostic testing to surgery to rehabilitation. As such, it is important to design facilities that are flexible and adaptable, with spaces that can be easily repurposed as needs change. For example, when Dr. Monica Schick needed a company that was experienced in dental design construction from start to finish, our team at DESCCO was ready to help! We were able to provide guidance throughout her dental construction project while remaining on schedule. We were also able to coordinate all aspects of the project and welcomed her input without requiring her input for every small decision. As she said in her review of our dental office construction work, she was free to be as involved as she wished without ever feeling overwhelmed. We’re proud to say that our experts made this all feasible!
Collaboration and Communication
Effective collaboration and communication are essential for successful healthcare construction projects. This means that architects, contractors, and healthcare providers must work closely together to ensure that the facility is designed to meet the needs of patients and staff. In addition, clear communication is essential to ensure that everyone involved in the project is on the same page, from project managers to subcontractors to vendors. Luckily, DESCCO’s design-build services let our team oversee every stage of a project via the continuity of working with one expert team you can trust.
Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
Sustainability and energy efficiency are increasingly important considerations for healthcare construction projects. Healthcare facilities consume a significant amount of energy and generate a large amount of waste, so it is important to design facilities that are energy efficient and sustainable. This can include features such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems.
Budget and Schedule
Finally, it is important to consider budget and schedule when planning a healthcare construction project. Healthcare facilities are often subject to tight budgets and timelines, so it is important to work with a contractor who has experience managing complex projects and can deliver the project on time and on budget. In addition, it is important to ensure reliable communication throughout the project (as mentioned above) to ensure that any changes or issues are addressed in a timely manner so that budgets and schedules can be adjusted accordingly.
Healthcare construction projects require plenty of time, preparation, and careful planning across a wide range of factors. At DESCCO Design & Construction, we support every client with our extensive experience in healthcare construction. We can help guide you through any process needed to create a facility that meets the needs of patients and staff while delivering the best possible value for your budget. If you’re ready to start a new healthcare construction project and would like to discuss the best ways to realize your ambition, contact the team at DESCCO to speak to one of our friendly staff members today!