Infectious Control Procedures

The renovation of (and additions to) open and operational healthcare facilities presents a unique set of challenges. The medical staff and patients need access to the building on an ongoing basis, and are sensitive to the dust, dirt and noise generally associated with construction projects. For contractors to do their jobs, dust, dirt and noise are present almost by definition.

To mitigate these concerns, Abbott Construction spends a great deal of time at the beginning of a project with the project team (facility’s representative, architect, sub-contractors, etc.). Proper pre-construction planning and phasing is the key to making the construction as unobtrusive as possible. What functions must go uninterrupted during the construction process? What facilities, if any, will need to be relocated? How is infectious material control to be implemented? What is the level of intensity in different areas of the facility at different times of day? Above all, how do we keep everyone safe during the construction process?

Tacoma General Hospital

“In addition to new construction, Abbott is also experienced in planning and coordinating remodel work in existing facilities in order to minimize the disruption and impact that construction has under those conditions.”

Herb Giffin, AIA
Gifffin Bolte Jergens

Answers to these questions, and many others, help us to define the phasing of the project. With feedback from all members of the project team, Abbott Construction then phases the project in a fashion that has as little impact as possible on the day-to-day functions of the facility.

During the project, frequent and clear communications help to keep everyone informed of current project issues. Weekly project meetings often help to define areas of concern and their subsequent solutions, while informing all parties of the project’s overall progress.

Abbott Construction looks forward to assisting health care providers in realizing their dream of expanding and/or renovating their facilities while keeping their facility functional.