By HFT Staff

Abatement Technologies has provided containment solutions for the construction of a brand new pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at WellStar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta, Georgia. As contractor for the PICU build within the active facility, Segars Group selected Abatement Technologies’ SHIELD WALL modular containment systems to maintain air quality and protect patients, staff, and visitors from harmful dust and debris. 

For 25 years, Segars Group has specialized in healthcare and commercial construction and renovation. Dedicated to job site cleanliness and safety, the company has cultivated partnerships with some of the largest health systems in Georgia. When Segars Group took on the WellStar Kennestone Hospital PICU project, the contractor needed to contain the construction area from patient rooms before any construction could begin on the new unit. Segars Group searched for an efficient containment solution to get the project moving quickly and PICU operations running as soon as possible. 

“Every healthcare project needs to be planned and completed prioritizing patient care and safety. It's important to minimize noise disruptions to make sure patients are getting essential rest. This is even more important when it comes to dealing with babies and kids,” says Jesse White, healthcare superintendent, Segars Group. “It’s important for us to be able to get our job done but it's even more important to protect these highly sensitive groups.” 

Segars Group selected Abatement Technologies SHIELD WALL system for its: 

• Durable design for years of repeated use 
• Easy and quick assembly with minimal labor requirements 
• Modular flexibility to adapt to changing construction needs 
• Sound attenuation to help lower noise and vibrations within patient areas 
• Sleek appearance that seamlessly blends into healthcare settings  

While SHIELD WALL is designed to seamlessly blend into many environments, the staff at WellStar Kennestone Hospital didn’t want the walls to blend in. They used the walls to showcase artwork from patients in the PICU.  

“The nursing staff asked if the kids could come and draw on the walls,” says White. “We initially thought about hanging whiteboards on them, and then realized the material is compatible with dry erase markers. It ended up being an unexpected advantage. Beyond keeping everyone safe, the walls have brought much needed joy to our patients throughout the project.” 

After successful completion of the WellStar Kennestone Hospital PICU build, Segars Group now utilizes SHIELD WALL as a standard containment procedure for its projects.