Earthquakes, COVID-19 Affect Medical Center Design

To meet California’s seismic standards by 2030, UC Davis Health System to undertake $3.75 billion project

By By Dan Hounsell


COVID-19 has upended nearly every aspect of healthcare facilities over the last year, and the impact goes well beyond day-to-day operations. The pandemic also is changing the way healthcare organizations are designing and planning new facilities. But COVID-19 isn’t the only earth-shaking force at work on healthcare design.

To meet California’s seismic standards by a 2030 deadline, UC Davis Health System is proposing to replace its current Sacramento hospital buildings as part of a $3.75 billion project that would boast an expanded 16-story tower and five-floor pavilion, according to the Sacramento Bee.

In the preliminary proposal, UC Davis is recommending an increase in the number of licensed beds, growing to 700 from the 625 it has today. Because there will be more private rooms, the proposed structure will be double the square footage of the current hospital in Oak Park, UC Davis officials said. A number of studies have shown that private rooms cut down on patients’ stress, making it easier for them to sleep and reducing the time needed for recovery.

After the challenges of meeting surge capacity amid the COVID-19 pandemic, UC Davis officials are planning to ensure that a great number of rooms would be designed so they can be switched over to intensive-care rooms if needed.

Click here to read the article.



March 3, 2021


Topic Area: Architecture


Recent Posts

On the Lookout: The Software Supply Chain as a Healthcare Cyberattack Vector

Staying watchful of third-party software vendors and their activities is critical for healthcare cybersecurity.


Hackensack Meridian Health & Wellness Center at Clifton Opens

The Clifton center expands health care access in Passaic County by reducing barriers such as travel and wait times.


Suffolk Breaks Ground on Expansion of White Plains Hospital

The 10-story, approximately 500,000-square-foot expansion is slated to open in 2028.


EVS Leadership Culture Critical in Preventing Hospital-Acquired Sepsis

Cleaning is an essential yet complex component for the prevention of HAI-induced sepsis.


Man Dies by Suicide in Emergency Department Waiting Room at Kansas Hospital

No staff or patients were harmed, and the man was alone in the waiting area when he shot himself.


 
 


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.