Until recently, vibration sensitive equipment like MRIs and electron microscopes were typically located on grade-supported slabs, often in the hospital’s basement. This type of equipment is now being used on higher floors so it can be closer to patients.
Suburban strip malls have seen urgent care clinics emerge where retail stores and restaurants once stood. And in downtown office towers, it’s not uncommon these days to find scrubs and clogs in with the suits and ties.
FAIRFAX, Va. — ICF International, based in Fairfax, released a new white paper entitled the Three E’s of Healthcare Consumerism: Empathy, Engagement, Empowerment in order to outline a framework for understanding and applying consumerism concepts to health care business.
AUGUSTA, Maine — The new $312 million Alfond Center for Health opened for patients Nov. 9 after reaching substantial completion 10 months ahead of schedule.
The 192-bed community hospital consolidated the inpatient services of MaineGeneral Medical Center’s Thayer campus and the hospital on the medical center’s Augusta campus. To complete the 640,000-square-foot center for health in 24 months of construction, which included 18 months of deign and construction overlap, the design team used an Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) method.
CHICAGO — Less is more in health care operations. In reducing nonessential practices, health care organizations can greatly increase operational efficiency for both health care staff and patients by applying lean principles. Derived from the management philosophy of the Toyota Production System, lean principles are based on reducing wastes to improve overall customer value. The principles are increasing in popularity throughout various markets and have made their mark in the health care industry.
The American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) has named Michael Zarski executive director. Formerly the executive director of American Osteopathic Information Association, Zarski brings with him a long and distinguished career with medical associations, according to AAHKS. Zarski has also served as chief information officer for the American Osteopathic Association and senior legislative counsel for the American Medical Association.
Mark Henderson, AIA, has joined AECOM’s Houston office to lead the firm’s architecture, engineering and planning practices serving the health care market. With more than 28 years of experience, Henderson has worked on health science centers, teaching hospitals and academic medical centers for such clients as the University of Texas, Harris Health System, Duke University, Providence Health System and the University of Washington.
A comfortable, familiar and stylish recliner with some key functions that patients and their guests will find easy to use are found in the new Continuum medical recliner from Champion. Ideal for overnight guest stays or other treatments, the recliner can lay users flat in a sleeping position with its extended back and leg rests. The extra wide 23.5-inch seat width provides comfort to users, while its swing-out left arm design allows for easy patient transfer when needed.
