Beleaguered Colorado VA hospital faces staffing, design obstacles

Even after the hospital opens, the old hospital and other off-site facilities will remain in use for at least three years because of the design flaws


Hundreds of job openings need to be filled before the new, overbudget and long-delayed Department of Veterans Affairs hospital in Aurora, Colo., can open this summer, according to an article on the Stars & Stripes website.

Even after the hospital opens, the old hospital and other off-site facilities will remain in use for at least three years because of design flaws at the new campus, according to a House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs document obtained by Stars and Stripes.

Large-scale design problems mean the campus at 1.21 million square feet isn’t creating more useable clinical space when compared to the old, 600,000 square-foot Denver hospital. 

Maintaining services at the old VA will increase costs because of duplicate staffs for food, security and administration. The VA also has a list of 375 tasks to complete before the new VA opens, including installing fixtures and HVAC systems and configuring medical equipment. Workers must also fix mistakes with the facility, such as replacing walls in dental exam rooms that aren’t strong enough to support wall-mounted X-rays.

Read the article.

 

 



January 22, 2018


Topic Area: Project News for Healthcare Facilities


Recent Posts

Designing a Home Away from Home

Ronald McDonald House Atlanta balances the familiarity of home with the demands of a high-use facility serving families of children receiving medical care.


Stephens County Hospital Becoming Part of Wellstar Health System

The transaction is expected to be completed toward the end of 2026, pending the conclusion of regulatory approvals.


Grafton City Hospital Joins Vandalia Health

The transition follows approval from the West Virginia Health Care Authority and continues a longstanding partnership between the organizations.


Protecting Patients from C. auris Through Bed and Mattress Safety

Managers face an urgent question: What happens when a colonized patient returns to a contaminated mattress?


Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center Tops Off New Acute Care Tower

The new acute care tower, designed by FCA, will enhance the hospital’s ability to serve patients by incorporating facilities and expanding its range of services.


 
 


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.