Healthcare construction is a fluid process filled with many variables, and strong management is the key to successful outcomes. One such variable is the risk of spreading infections. Partners, like Hallsta, who understand the criticality of infection prevention during construction can save time, ensure compliance with regulations, and prevent harm. The primary goal is to keep patients, staff, and visitors safe while ensuring the project stays on track. The prevention of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) such as Legionella, Aspergillosis, and other infections caused by opportunistic pathogens is twofold: to keep healthcare workers safe and operations functional during construction and keep the community safe where all these people go when they leave the healthcare setting. Before the project, proper planning is essential. During the design phase, knowledge of regulations, the goals of the project, and a focus on healthcare practices can significantly impact design. The completion of an Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) by those who understand both the patient population affected and the scope of the project, is essential before any construction is initiated (including bringing supplies on-site and groundbreaking). The ICRA process analyzes and documents the extent of construction (noninvasive to major demolition or new construction), along with the risk group that will be impacted (office area to transplant units or operating suites). This dual assessment assigns a level to each project (Class I-IV) and outlines the mitigation efforts and traffic flow patterns needed to ensure that no infection control risks occur. These risks include dust, airborne contaminants, and/or waterborne microorganisms that can infiltrate the healthcare setting and negatively impact patients, the construction crew, and others in the nearby spaces. Education for the construction crew and healthcare staff helps each stakeholder understand the risks and compliance needed for the mitigation activities. Joint Commission requires ICRAs and typically reviews them when conducting surveys. Joint Commission Standard EC.02.06.01 states: “The organization establishes and maintains a safe, functional environment. ”During the project, daily observations by a knowledgeable individual ensure the required mitigation efforts are in place and working. Ongoing assessments are necessary to confirm that the required airflow pressure differentials are maintained, barriers remain intact, the path of demolition removal and supply influx are least disruptive, and general cleanliness is maintained around the work site. The goal is to provide assurance that the construction will not harm vulnerable individuals. Areas of highest concern are sterile areas, clean rooms, operating or procedure rooms, and isolation rooms. Experience tells us that a solid containment wall for Class II & IV projects lasting more than 72 hours saves on corrective actions later. The build phase requires ongoing collaboration between the construction team and the infection prevention team to ensure prompt response to any identified issues and readjustment of the ICRA plan to stricter or less strict mitigation based on the project status. Vigilance, flexibility, and timeliness are key.

As the project nears completion, assurance is required that the work site delivers on the design plan and that the space is prepared for patient or staff use. Removing all debris and equipment, cleaning the area per facility policy, changing air filters, and flushing water systems are essential before the area is occupied. Restoring proper ventilation, humidity, and temperature are also vital. If licensing by a state agency is required, preparing the space and the staff for that visit is also required. Hallsta staff have the expertise and experience needed to meet or exceed the demands of healthcare construction, and we are ready to partner with you in your quest for excellence.