Cutting the Construction-Infection Connection

Construction firms paying more attention to control and mitigation of potential airborne contaminants

By Dan Hounsell


Is there any area of healthcare facilities that the COVID-19 pandemic didn’t change? The short answer is no. Everything has changed for facilities managers, some processes have only begun to assess the lessons of the pandemic and how those lessons will affect future processes and projects. Consider new construction.

More than a year into the pandemic, healthcare construction is continuing its transition from reacting to adapting and innovating, according to Medical Construction & Design. One aspect of healthcare construction especially impacted by COVID-19 has been infection control. Construction managers are closely evaluating ways to enhance infection control practices to protect hospitals’ staff and their vulnerable patients, which include the following considerations.

COVID-19 is leading construction firms to pay more attention to control and mitigation of potential contaminants in the air, which is leading to greater scrutiny of infection control plans and oversight. One construction manager says it wouldn’t be surprising to see stricter ranges for negative air pressure in anterooms and construction spaces, similar to air quality standards for hospital clean rooms. Steps like this help protect the rest of the hospital from air in construction areas.



June 3, 2021


Topic Area: Construction


Recent Posts

Legionella Detected at Michigan Health Facility

Case follows a similar finding of Legionnaires’ disease in a former patient.


Crystal Spring Tower Opens at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital

The new cardiovascular institute improves access and care across the region.


Hospital Evacuation Highlights Importance of Emergency Preparedness

Berger Hospital was evacuated after smoke was discovered in the basement.


Building a Culture of Infection Prevention

Investing in infection prevention can benefit healthcare organizations and patient outcomes.


Ground Broken on Sanford Health Fargo's Peltier Lodge

The 28,400-square-foot facility will feature spaces to support patients and loved ones during treatment and throughout their outpatient care and monitoring.


 
 


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.