Overview

DiGiorgio Associates Incorporated (DAI), a LiRo Group Company, is working with UMass Memorial – HealthAlliance Hospital by providing architectural and engineering services on a 48,000 sf Emergency Department (ED) Expansion/ Renovation project on the Leominster Campus. The goal of the design team was to expand the ground floor level without impacting the site as did previous concepts.

About the Project

The footprint of the new ED addition was designed for vertical expansion to accommodate the programs of hospital linen, expanded surgical lounge/ lockers, expanded materials management, and future space for a possible Community Room. Other renovations on the first floor include the creation of a new CSR Department which allows HealthAlliance to relocate their existing department from the Burbank Campus. The new CSR is located adjacent to the Surgical Suite improving efficiency to support their busy OR schedule. DAI is further developing the immediate site to provide for additional parking, as well as creating separation between emergency vehicles and emergency patient access.

Project Challenges & Solutions

DAI worked closely with staff to develop a phasing plan in order to maintain 24 hour operation of the ED during construction. With no opportunity for closure, both the site and building construction continues to be phased to allow for smooth and efficient flow of patient arrival, ambulances, and internal flow, both within the department and its adjacent connection to Imaging and Lab.

Outcome

The addition and renovation addresses the increase of patient volumes, as well as the separation of acute and behavioral patients. Accommodation of future volume has been addressed to ensure the Emergency Department can accommodate growth over the next five years at a minimum. The first phase of the new ED opened in January 2019, two weeks ahead of schedule, while the remainder is set for completion in spring of 2020.