Two Industries Embracing Change Together: Healthcare and Construction
Questions to Ask General Contractors During the Pre-Construction Phase
December 3, 2018
2018 Keystone Award
December 3, 2018
The St. Louis area has always been a leader in healthcare, and our region is blessed with not only world-class acute care hospitals but also nationally ranked medical teaching and research universities. The construction industry continues to support the region’s growth in healthcare by building quality and safe spaces that enable better productivity.
Healthcare Advancements Create Construction Opportunities
As treatment philosophies and technologies evolve, the idea of “change” is one of endearment in the healthcare section. These advancements are often catalysts for construction. For example, the emphasis on outpatient care has become a much larger focal point and spurred the construction of local clinics, outpatient care facilities, and urgent care centers.New developments in medical imaging and diagnostic technologies also create construction opportunities. Renovation of existing spaces might be required to refresh aging design for new and emerging equipment. Architects are playing an integral role in healthcare renovation by incorporating a higher level of medical planning into their work.
Industries Embracing Change Together
Progress in the healthcare sector has not only spurred opportunity in construction but has also positively shaped changes in construction safety policies. Over the years, there has been a concerted effort to reduce the number of hospital-acquired infections, leading to new and stringent prevention procedures. Additionally, there are detailed risk assessments now performed for every healthcare project. While there is always room for improvement in safety policy, these new protocols have made great strides in infection-prevention.
Another best practice developed further in the past few years by the healthcare industry has been the acceptance of different project delivery methods. Where many facilities use to only consent to Design/Bid/Build, they are now accepting Design/Build and Design-Assist, allowing minority contractors to build their healthcare experience through more project involvement. These new project delivery methods have empowered owners to partner, develop, and grow contractors, not to mention, highlight one of the greatest facets of construction—diversity.
Another best practice developed further in the past few years by the healthcare industry has been the acceptance of different project delivery methods. Where many facilities use to only consent to Design/Bid/Build, they are now accepting Design/Build and Design-Assist, allowing minority contractors to build their healthcare experience through more project involvement. These new project delivery methods have empowered owners to partner, develop, and grow contractors, not to mention, highlight one of the greatest facets of construction—diversity.
