Healthcare facilities, whether hospitals, clinics, or specialized treatment centers, require construction expertise far beyond most conventional building projects. A building contractor that prioritizes patient care is vital.
This is where certified contractors step in. Extra knowledge and experience in medical construction ensures you can provide our community with proper continuity of care—and your contractor should take that role seriously. Design and construction elements like reinforcement, both structural and specialized materials, are more than suggestions for most healthcare projects.
Continue reading to learn about the critical role that professional contractors play in constructing healthcare facilities.
Unique Challenges in Healthcare Facility Construction
The fine points of patient care, stringent safety protocols, and adherence to health regulations make healthcare facility construction unique. Approved contractors are well-versed in these complexities, ensuring that every aspect of the project aligns with the specific needs of your niche in the healthcare industry.
The Importance of Certification
Certification signifies that a contractor has undergone rigorous training and competently follows healthcare-specific standards. We consider it a mark of professionalism and a commitment to excellence.
Expertise in Infection Control
Armed with specialized training and certification, the builders possess the knowledge and skills to implement infection control measures during construction. This expertise is invaluable in preventing the spread of infections while your facility is under construction.
Compliance with Regulatory Requirements
Accredited contractors ensure that every aspect of the construction project complies with state and federal laws. This level of compliance is essential for the safety of patients and the facility’s legal standing.
These regulations are also different, depending on the state, county, and specialization. Familiarity with building requirements for different areas is essential for your project’s success.
Efficient Project Management
Certified contractors bring project management expertise that streamlines the construction process. They operate on deadlines and operate safely and accurately.
Experience in full-cycle construction, like design-build, creates a contractor that calculates lead times, construction times, and your deadlines into a reliable timeframe.
Adapting to Changing Technologies
Healthcare, like construction, evolves constantly. With technological innovations and their ensuing regulations, up-to-date experience and knowledge is critical.
Skilled contractors stay informed of the latest medical equipment and technical infrastructure advancements, ensuring the facility provides state-of-the-art care and meets or exceeds rules and regulations.
Safety First
The best contractors prioritize safety at every stage of the healthcare construction process. This commitment reduces the risk of accidents and ensures the well-being of everyone on the construction site.
Flexibility and Adaptability
It’s hard to relocate an entire medical unit and maintain your scheduled appointments, so healthcare centers often need to remain operational during construction or renovation.
Professional contractors understand the need for flexibility and adaptability and go to great lengths to minimize disruptions to patient care while work is underway. We’re also knowledgeable about medical information security needs and work with you to ensure protected health information stays secure.
Accountability and Quality Assurance
Accredited contractors take accountability seriously. Like your own organization, they have systems in place to ensure quality assurance throughout the construction process.
This commitment to quality translates into a healthcare facility that meets or exceeds industry standards.
Certifications Essential
Healthcare construction contractors need certifications to guarantee safety, quality, and adherence to medical facility project requirements. These certifications demonstrate their expertise and commitment to the specialized demands of healthcare construction. Becoming a Certified Healthcare Constructor (CHC) by the American Hospital Association (AHA) signifies proficiency in healthcare construction practices, infection control, healthcare regulations, and facility operations.
The Infection Risk Assessment (ICRA) certification is essential for effectively managing infection risks in healthcare settings and safeguarding patients and staff. Additionally, the ASHE Healthcare Construction Certificate (HCC) from the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE) addresses healthcare-specific challenges, regulatory compliance, and the unique demands of healthcare facility projects.
Do you need a certified, trained professional to handle your Healthcare construction’s unique needs? GALBRAITH Pre-Design Inc.’s team can help you. Contact us now.
