New York, USA
The Challenge:
Construction is disruption, which is an anathema for a hospital. Leadership at Northwell Health wanted a short lead time to open a modular lab, while upgrading facilities. Beyond all the regulatory requirements that they must meet, the facilities staff wanted an environmentally friendly lab that minimizes a carbon footprint.
Otto VonEilbergh, director, capital projects, corporate facilities services, Northwell Health, now knows first-hand all the intricate details of moving a unit that is 14 feet wide and 60 feet long and converting it into a high-tech, high-touch critical resource for a hospital. VonEilbergh managed the cleanroom installation, vendor details, and lab requirements.
“Getting a mobile unit through the streets and over the bridges in New York is a monumental undertaking. Various government entities require numerous permits and transport licensing,” said VonEilbergh.
The facilities team required a leveled foundation that would hold more than a 60 thousand pound trailer. It needed sterile materials and an uninterruptible power and water supply. They also had a lengthy list of to-dos to prepare for the State Board of Pharmacy to commission the mobile lab for compounding pharmaceuticals. The team continually balanced the need for speed with a systematic, measured approach to safeguards.
Northwell could not perform all of the requirements mentioned above without a vendor. Moreover, they were installing the lab in the middle of an unprecedented pandemic.
“For much of 2020, New York was at the epicenter of COVID-19. Everything went toward increasing patient capacity and acquiring equipment while still installing a lab,” said VonEilbergh. “To say we had challenges would be an understatement.”
Burlington, Massachusetts
The solution and results
To overcome these challenges and achieve their goals, Lahey Hospital and Modular Devices collaborated on an innovative solution: Customized Modular EP Lab: A “double-wide” Modular EP Lab measuring 28’ wide by 48’ in length was designed to exceed the capabilities of their existing EP Labs. Four Smaller Units: The project team divided the Modular EP Lab into four smaller, more manageable units, each weighing approximately 25,000 pounds. Specialized Crane: Bay Crane deployed a 770-ton capacity Liebherr LTM1650-8.1 mobile hydraulic crane to safely lift and position each modular unit over the 7th floor, down into the 5th-story courtyard.
Results
The successful execution of the project led to remarkable outcomes:
- Increased Treatment Capacity: Lahey Hospital can now serve approximately 400 more patients each year.
- Reduced Wait Times: Patient wait times for EP procedures have significantly decreased.
- Clinical Research Advancements: The Class III-rated EP procedure room facilitates cutting-edge research and innovation.
- Enhanced Patient Care: Lahey Hospital can provide timely care while maintaining high-quality standards.
Collaboration
Lahey Hospital emphasized the collaborative and flexible partnership with Modular Devices, highlighting the ability to efficiently address their unique needs and compliance requirements.
Key Takeaways
This project offers valuable lessons for healthcare facilities:
- Collaborative Partnerships: Choose partners who are collaborative and flexible.
- Modular Solutions: Consider modular solutions to efficiently address space constraints.
- Strong Project Management: Invest in strong project management teams to realize your vision.
- Integration of Leased Spaces: Embrace the opportunity for growth and be prepared to overcome challenges when integrating leased spaces into your operation.
“This cleanroom worked for us in every way. Modular Devices exceeded our expectations — from the interlocking system that provided additional safety measures to providing the latest digital equipment. They seamlessly installed a sterile compounding pharmaceutical lab tailored to our unique needs. They met all the numerous New York regulations, including maneuvering a 60-foot trailer over the Verrazzano Narrows Bridge.”
Otto VonEilbergh
Director, Capital Projects, Corporate Facilities Services, Northwell Health
