The value of flexible hospital space is being demonstrated as administrators rush to increase the number of hospital ICU beds to meet the expected peak in COVID-19 cases.
In many states, regulations require treatment rooms to be different sizes depending on the stage of patient care being provided. Facilities may now be more likely to specify space for acuity-adaptable units that are designed to match the square footage of ICU rooms.
These rooms may not be fully outfitted for ICU capability immediately, but can be retrofitted later to fulfill that purpose. Programming for hospital designs currently in the works are more likely to include how an increased number of beds could be added during future pandemics or other emergencies.
Under extreme demand, spaces that may not have the required square footage under normal circumstances could be outfitted as treatment areas. Spaces such as conference rooms, dining rooms, and parking structures can be repurposed for medical care if suitable utility access is available.
Related Stories
| Sep 26, 2012
OSHA fines on fall-protection violations challenged by New York contractor
A New York masonry contractor is contesting an OccupationalSafety and Health Administration $136,290 fine for violations of fall-protection standards.a
| Sep 26, 2012
Construction workplace deaths decline nearly 7% in 2011
There were 721 construction-workplace deaths in 2011, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, down 6.8% from 2010.
| Sep 26, 2012
Contractors save $9 billion due to revised California emissions rule
The California Air Resources Board made changes to a rule limiting off-road diesel emissions that could result in contractors saving about $9 billion.
| Sep 20, 2012
Smithtown, N.Y. considers bigger fines for building code violations
After a Suffolk County grand jury recommended stiffer fines for illegal demolitions, Smithtown, NY officials are weighing tougher penalties for developers who violate the town building code.
| Sep 20, 2012
AGC awarded federal grant to provide fall-protection safety program
The Associated General Contractors of America will continue to provide fall protection safety training next year after being awarded a federal safety grant.
| Sep 20, 2012
East Lansing officials accused of ignoring unauthorized project that led to partial building collapse
The unauthorized construction of a fifth-floor penthouse on a downtown East Lansing, Mich. mixed-use development led to a partial building collapse earlier this year.
| Sep 20, 2012
Reflective roofs could reduce rainfall in Arizona
Green standards may have to take into account the impact of reflective roofs on rainfall in the desert Southwest.
| Sep 20, 2012
Earth Advantage Institute offers green certification for small commercial buildings
Earth Advantage Institute announced a new green building certification aimed at new or substantially remodeled small commercial buildings built to green standards.
| Sep 14, 2012
To create more pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, Chicago unveils safety plan
As more urban mixed-use and residential developments aim to encourage residents to walk and use mass transit, cities are addressing pedestrian safety.
| Sep 14, 2012
Worker killed in Brooklyn building collapse; overloaded floor decking blamed
One worker was killed after he and others plunged 40 feet through an unfinished upscale Brooklyn townhouse building.
