The Generations project was a major addition and renovation of the Providence Alaska Medical Center. As part of the design team, our firm took the lead on several component projects, including developing and designing the Surgery Suite expansion, expanding the Material Management/Sterile Processing Department (SPD), and relocating the Pharmacy.
SURGERY SUITE
The Generations Surgery Suite upgrade’s primary goal was to add two new Hybrid Heart Operating Rooms with imaging capability. Additional renovations included converting three existing ORs into two larger ones; an expansion and upgrade of the existing cytology/urology OR; the remodel/upgrade of three general ORs; and the expansion and upgrade of the current clean core.
The new ORs were equipment intensive. Coordination was the key to a very complicated OR working efficiently. Multiple construction phases were required since the ORs are located within the Surgical Suite, which was to remain in operation during the project. This demanded a detailed understanding of how the staff needed to function and how the contractor and subcontractors could conduct construction. Careful coordination of the OR staff, the Hospital Infection Control team, the General Contractor, and all subcontractors was imperative.
SPD AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT
As part of the Generations project, an expansion and reconfiguration of the existing Materials Management and Sterile Processing Departments was also necessary to recognize the total capacity of the new surgical suite.
The projects required multiple phasing to maintain 24/7 productivity and throughput, clean/sterile environments, and proper air pressure relationships. Working closely with the user groups and the contractor, we developed a 12-phase approach to complete the projects. We continued working with all parties throughout the construction process to ensure maximum productivity and cost efficiency. In addition, emphasis was applied to infection control, disruption planning, and interim life safety issues.