Pointcore oversaw a necessary ICU expansion at Saint Mary Medical Center to accommodate critically ill patients, while balancing the demand for space to treat an increase in respiratory patients.
CHALLENGE
Pointcore was tapped for an expansion project at Saint Mary Medical Center, a critical healthcare facility. The project involved increasing the capacity of their Intensive Care Unit (ICU) from six to nine patient rooms, along with the addition of respiratory support spaces. The challenge, however, arose from a shifting demand in the hospital’s care priorities. While the ICU expansion was necessary to accommodate more critically ill patients, the need for respiratory support spaces was higher due to a surge in demand for respiratory care, particularly in response to an increase in respiratory-related illnesses.
This disparity in demand created a complex situation for both design and space allocation. The hospital needed to balance the expansion of ICU capacity with the more urgent need for respiratory support services, which included equipment storage, staff workspaces, and specialized treatment areas. Pointcore had to work closely with the hospital’s administration and clinical teams to assess these needs and develop a plan that would provide the most efficient use of available space while ensuring both critical care and respiratory services were adequately supported. The project required careful coordination of resources, timelines, and design to meet the hospital’s evolving healthcare delivery needs without compromising patient care or operational efficiency.
SOLUTION
To address the unique project needs, Pointcore took a strategic approach by dividing the project into two phases, prioritizing the respiratory support spaces before expanding the ICU. This phased approach allowed for efficient use of space and resources, ensuring that the most urgent need—respiratory care—was addressed first, while still making room for the planned ICU expansion.
- Phase One focused on constructing essential respiratory support spaces, including Meds Room, Clean Holding Area, Vent Storage, Break Room, and Office.
- Completed ahead of the ICU expansion, meeting the increased demand for respiratory services due to rising respiratory illnesses.
- The respiratory space was designed to accommodate specialized equipment and staff work areas critical to patient care.
- Phase Two expanded the ICU from six to nine patient rooms, adding three new ICU rooms with Ante Rooms, Patient Toilets, Satellite Nurse Stations, Nourishment Space, Equipment Storage, Monitor Room, and Office.
- Pointcore oversaw the replacement of the Air Handling Unit (AHU) with a new 8,000 CFM Trane Modular unit, along with ductwork, exhaust fans, chilled water piping, humidifiers, and a condensate return pump for the new ICU and respiratory spaces.
- Pointcore coordinated a temporary IDPH occupancy for respiratory spaces, allowing OSF to begin using the areas immediately without operational delay.
- Pointcore provided comprehensive program management, including design coordination, scheduling, cost estimation, and risk management.
- Preconstruction services ensured seamless integration of all systems (MEP, Medical Gas, Access Control, Nurse Call, and A/V) to meet technical and regulatory hospital needs.
- Pointcore’s expert program management and preconstruction services ensured successful project execution with minimal disruption.
- Strategic phasing of the project ensured uninterrupted ICU and respiratory operations, delivering on time with lasting value.
RESULTS
Pointcore’s proactive program management approach allowed the project to stay on track, while minimizing disruptions to hospital operations and ensuring both the respiratory support and ICU spaces were delivered on time and fully operational.
Let Pointcore help you optimize project phases to meet urgent healthcare needs on time.
ABOUT POINTCORE
Pointcore is an innovative healthcare services company who aims to transform health care in the communities we serve by working in five key service areas: Technology, Supply Chain, Healthcare Technology Management (HTM), Construction and Business Services. Pointcore works exclusively in healthcare, which sets us apart from other consulting operations. We work with healthcare organizations to determine their unique areas of need, then use our extensive healthcare expertise to develop a custom solution for each operation.
Pointcore’s construction services utilizes healthcare construction experts who understand the healthcare construction industry and provide proficient guidance that ensures successful projects. Pointcore offers design-build services, owner representation, master facility planning and more. Contact us to connect with a Pointcore representative to talk about how we can help transform your healthcare organization to bring the best care possible to patients.
