Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital Hyperbaric Chamber
Project Scope
The scope of work for this project included providing all mechanical, electrical and plumbing utilities required to operate the new OxyHeal Hyperbaric Chamber, as well as improvements to promote patient and staff experience. This comprised of your typical cosmetic upgrades and ventilation/power/plumbing modifications for user support. Other requirements that were required include, but are not limited to assorted medical gases, exterior building exhaust, medical gas alarm/manifold systems and automatic transfer switches.
Planning
There were many aspects to consider during the planning phase of this project; some of which continued through the construction phase. Many of these planning challenges involved logistically working through how to provide all requirements for the hyperbaric chamber. These issues were reviewed, and solved by the project team including OxyHeal, A/E, Owner and Krause. Once these logistical issues were resolved; it was the responsibility of Krause construction to accurately translate this information to sub-contractors. This was pivotal to ensure a fair competitive bidding process and to maintain budgetary costs.
Construction
We began this project by installing finished drywall construction barriers which received finish taping, painting and vinyl base. In this case; a one hour fire rated partition was required. HEPA machines were installed and exhausted properly in order to create negative pressure. The remainder of ICRA/ILSM/ESM requirements were then completed. These items include replacing all smoke detectors with heat detectors, covering/filtering mechanicals, installing sticky mats, protecting any items not in scope and posting all required signage and documentation.
Once we created a safe work environment demolition proceeded. After demolition was completed; our first step was to complete wall layout. After wall layout took place, a careful review occurred in order to examine any discrepancies existing conditions may cause in conjunction with the new layout. Those discrepancies were then documented, and presented to the owner and A/E in order to establish a corrective action. Discrepancies discovered as a part of this project included fire protection infrastructure located within new fire rated walls, ventilation layout issues, and clearance issues pertaining to the routing of mechanical piping.
Typical construction activities proceeded at this point of the project. Krause construction was in on-going contact with OxyHeal during construction. This communication was essential in providing the correct utilities in accurate locations. It was especially difficult for this project as OxyHeal is located in California, and has no Illinois representatives that were able to review the site during construction. This communication involved Krause construction creating detailed sketches which identified exact locations of all MEP connections for the hyperbaric chamber. Shut-downs required for the installation of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems were coordinated with Engineering and Facilities during our weekly meeting. Construction activities outside of the project area were also schedule at the project meetings in order to minimize patient and staff impacts.
- Krause Construction received zero reportable incidents with OSHA and Advocate Health Care.
- Krause Construction was not issued Patient Focused (noise/vibration) deficiency reports from Advocate Health Care.