COVID-19: The Impact on Emergency Preparedness

Health system rethinks number of negative pressure rooms and space needed to expand capacity

By By Dan Hounsell


Is there any area of healthcare facilities the COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t changed in the last year? The short answer is no. The longer answer is that some areas have been affected more than others.

Two physician leaders at Cincinnati-based UC Health recently discussed the way the health system has grappled with COVID-19, according to Health Leaders. For example, the organization has improved its emergency preparedness and is undertaking a major emergency department renovation.

"We are renovating a very old emergency department,” the physician says. “After seeing what we went through with Ebola and seeing what we have been going through with the pandemic, we saw the need for integration of capabilities.

“For example, we have taken a second look at how many negative pressure rooms we are going to have and how much 'blow out' space we need to expand capacity when necessary. The pandemic demonstrated the importance of integrating those kinds of things into the design of this new emergency department.”



April 9, 2021


Topic Area: Construction


Recent Posts

Building Envelope Design: Beyond Energy Efficiency

An integrated approach to envelope design can create more comfortable and energy-efficient hospitals.


Outpatient Surge Reshapes Long-Term Strategy for Medical Outpatient Buildings

Demographic tailwinds, policy uncertainty and shifting care models are pushing health systems to rethink how and where they invest in outpatient facilities.


Mercy Medical Center to Be Integrated into Baystate Health

Until the transition is complete and receives all regulatory approvals, Mercy Medical Center and Baystate Health will continue to operate independently.


Managing IAQ in Healthcare Facilities During Wildfires

Wildfires are becoming more prevalent across the country. Facilities must be prepared to handle their effects on air quality. 


Building Hospital Resilience in an Era of Extreme Weather

Expert Jennifer Mahan discusses the vulnerabilities healthcare facilities face during disasters and the infrastructure strategies that keep operations running.


 
 


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.