Case Study: Renovation Helps Hospital React to Pandemic

Technology is likely used for virtual tours and smart maintenance

February 19, 2021

Image courtesy of Cory Klein Photography

UPMC Mercy recently unveiled the facility’s renovated eighth floor featuring 18 acuity adaptable patient rooms. The 19,900 square foot project, led by Pittsburgh and Columbus, Ohio-based DesignGroup, provides additional bed capacity and swing space for the entire building, making possible future upgrades and renovations in other units throughout the hospital. The DesignGroup team was able to expedite the project supporting UPMC’s ability to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The previous eighth floor layout was underutilized, so the design concept was driven primarily by the need for flexibility and acuity adaptability. The rooms in the new double-loaded corridor unit will first function as a MICU before transitioning to other uses in the future.

“DesignGroup is driven to elevate patient and caregiver experiences at every level while focusing on innovations that improve outcomes. I’m especially pleased with our emphasis on acoustics in this renovation,” said Tom Chidlow, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, principal and project manager at DesignGroup’s Pittsburgh office. “All partition and ceiling assemblies were designed according to this key concern, and common spaces also include sound masking technology for patient comfort.”

The new floor design incorporates one isolation patient room with an anteroom, as well as a separate patient room accessible for patients of size. All rooms are equipped with ceiling mounted lifts, prefabricated headwalls and nurse server units. The nurse perch areas feature motorized integral blind window units. All entry doors also include electric switchable privacy glass.

 “This project aligns with UPMC Mercy’s commitment to its core values,” said Leeanna McKibben, chief nursing officer and vice president of patient care services at UPMC Mercy. “The gracious views of downtown, Mt. Washington and the Monongahela River Valley in the staff support and public common spaces enhance the healing environment and are an example of UPMC Mercy’s dedication to offering services that are both convenient and comfortable.”

The UPMC Mercy project was completed in August 2020 and included renovation of an administrative and classroom space on the ninth floor of the hospital and the addition of a new air handler that nearly doubled the efficiency of the previous handler.




See the latest posts on our homepage Share

Topic Area: Interior Design


Recent Posts
Recent Posts

Albany Medical Center Placed on 5-Hour Lockdown


Albany Medical Center was placed on lockdown after a relative of a patient locked themselves in a room with weapons.

3/29/2023

Beacon Health System Falls Victim to Unauthorized Access of Patient Records


A former employee was found to have accessed 3,117 patients’ records.

3/29/2023

Disinfectants Effective Against Candida auris


Fungus won’t be killed while disinfecting for COVID-19

3/29/2023

A Potential Alternative to the Certified Healthcare Facility Manager Program


Kentucky Community & Technical College offers a similar educational foundation on healthcare facilities.

3/28/2023

Florida Officials Question HCA Healthcare After Report Goes Viral


Sen. Marco Rubio and Rep. Gus Bilirakis have requested more information from HCA Healthcare.

3/28/2023






FREE
NEWSLETTER

News & Updates • Webcast Alerts • Building Technologies

All fields are required.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.



You Might Like