Running the Survey

An environment for healing. That was the vision of Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital when it embarked on a major remodel of the second- and third-floor inpatient wing. Hutton Construction was selected as Construction Manager to help turn this vision into reality while maintaining operations and a high standard of patient care.  The remodeled floors were above surgery, radiology, lab and administration, and below the nursery and labor and delivery. A complete gut and rebuild had to be done with minimal disruption to patient services both above and below.

Laying the Foundation

It would have been ideal to gut and remodel one entire floor at a time, but that luxury was not afforded the project team. Because the remodeled area represented the majority of the hospital’s inpatient rooms, a plan was needed to complete the project while allowing the hospital to continue to use rooms on each floor. The floor plan was in the shape of a “T” so it was decided to remodel each “leg” of the tee for a total of three phases, working each floor simultaneously. Consideration to noise, dust and vibration was given for every activity. Careful collaboration between all team members was required, along with a willingness to be flexible and creative. Hutton supervision met daily with staff to coordinate work and ensure that everyone knew the day’s plan. Each “wing” was complete and fully operational prior to the start of the next phase.

The Finishing Touches

The resulting departments offer a warm and opulent environment, highly conducive to the healing process. A palette of rich earth tones including wood finishes throughout creates a calming and natural aesthetic. Indirect lighting down corridors provides just enough light to be safe without being overly bright. Consideration of patient needs and staff usability are evident throughout. Overhead, ceiling-mounted patient lifts are in each room and even down corridors to assist patient and nurse. Seamless vinyl floors provide an easier-to-maintain surface that is more comfortable underfoot for standing and walking. Open shower design in the patient restroom provides for easy transitions to and from the showers. Healing is definitely taking place in this new space.