The population is aging, and the demand for healthcare services is with it. In order to meet this demand, many healthcare facilities are expanding their current space. But before you break ground on that new wing, you should consider a few things. This blog post will discuss the essential considerations you need to make before constructing more space in your healthcare facility!
1) The type of space you need:
To meet the needs of your patients, you first need to determine what type of space you need. For example, do you need more inpatient beds? More outpatient exam rooms? More office space for your staff? Once you know what type of space you need, you can plan for it. If you’re not sure what kind of space you need, consider conducting a needs assessment. This will help you identify the specific areas where your facility lacks and how best to address those needs.
Needs assessments can be conducted internally by your staff or externally by consultants. Either way, they should include input from various stakeholders, including front-line staff, administrators, and even patients themselves. Once you understand the type of space you need, you can begin to plan for it. This leads us to our next consideration.
2) Location:
The location of your new space is important for several reasons. First, you need to make sure it’s accessible to your patients. If it’s too far out of the way, they may not be able or willing to make the trip. Second, you need to consider the cost of land and construction in different locations. It may be cheaper to build in a rural area, but it might not be worth it if all your patients are in the city.
You also need to think about how the new space will fit your existing facility. For example, will it be connected to the main building or stand-alone? How will patients and staff move between the two if it’s connected? All of these factors need to be considered when deciding on a location for your new space. Then, once you’ve found the perfect spot, you can start thinking about design.
3) Design:
The design of your new space should be functional first and foremost. But that doesn’t mean it can’t also be beautiful! After all, first impressions matter, and you want your patients to feel comfortable in your facility. You’ll need to work with an architect to design your new space. They will help you create a layout that meets all your needs and fits within the budget.
Be sure to involve your staff in the design process. They are the ones who will be using the space daily, so their input is essential. And don’t forget about your patients! Their needs should also be taken into account when designing the space. Once you’ve finalized the design, it’s time to start construction! But before you do, there’s one more thing to consider.
4) Financing:
Construction can be expensive, so you need to make sure you have the financial resources to fund it. There are various ways to finance construction projects, including loans, grants, and private investment.
You’ll need to work with your financial team to figure out the best way to finance your project. They will help you identify potential funding sources and put together a plan to get the money you need. Then, once you have the financing in place, you can start construction on your new space!
5) Construction:
Construction is the process of creating your new space. This includes everything from clearing the land to building the foundation to putting up walls and installing fixtures. You’ll need to work with a general contractor like Modular Genius to manage construction. They will be responsible for hiring subcontractors, ordering materials, and supervising the project from start to finish.
It’s essential to stay involved in the construction process. Be sure to visit the site regularly and check in with the contractor often. This will help ensure that everything goes according to plan and that you’re happy with the final product.
6) Move-In:
Once construction is complete, it’s time to move into your new space! This can be a challenging and stressful process, but it can go smoothly with careful planning. Start by creating a timeline for the move. This will help you stay organized and on track. Then begin packing up your belongings and moving them into the new space. Be sure to label everything, so you know where it goes.
If possible, hire a professional moving company to help with the heavy lifting. They will make the process much easier and less stressful. Finally, once everything is moved in, take some time to enjoy your new space! You’ve worked hard to get here, so take a moment to celebrate before getting back to work.
7) Don’t forget about maintenance
Once you’ve moved into your new space, it’s essential to keep up with maintenance. This includes things like painting, repairs, and cleaning. You’ll need to create a budget for maintenance and hire someone to handle it for you. This can be an employee of your facility or an outside company. Either way, be sure to choose someone reliable and trustworthy.
It’s also important to create a plan for dealing with emergencies. Things like fires, floods, and power outages can happen anytime, so you need to be prepared. Ensure you have a list of emergency contacts and a plan for evacuating the building if necessary.
8) Consider the regulations and potential hurdles
If your facility is located in an area with a high water table, you will need to factor that into your construction plans. A high water table can cause problems with the foundation of your building, so it is essential to consult with a professional before beginning any construction. Waterproofing your basement or crawl space is vital to protecting your investment and avoiding costly repairs down the road. Make sure you factor this into your budget and plan for it accordingly.
Finally, if you are adding on to an existing healthcare facility, you will need to ensure that the new construction meets all current code requirements. This includes everything from fire safety to handicap accessibility. Failure to do so could result in costly fines and delays opening your new space.
More space in your healthcare facility is a big undertaking. But with careful planning and execution, it can be a successful one. Keep these considerations in mind as you begin the process, and you’ll be on your way to creating the perfect space for your needs.
