Renovate Patient Privacy 6C

The project relocated the Step-down Unit from the third floor, creating a modernized space that would improve patient outcomes while minimizing disruptions to ongoing hospital operations. A phased approach was essential to ensure that the renovation proceeded smoothly without interfering with the daily functions of the hospital.

The design also accounted for infection control measures, life safety improvements, and hazardous materials abatement to ensure a safe and compliant environment. One of the project’s most critical challenges was upgrading the mechanical systems to support the new Step-Down Unit. The existing air handling unit (AHU) had reached the end of its lifespan and needed to be replaced. To maintain hospital operations during construction, Bancroft implemented a strategic phasing plan that included temporary AHUs and associated ductwork where necessary. In areas where space allowed, new AHUs were installed adjacent to the existing units, minimizing the need for temporary systems. All new fans were designed with direct-drive motors and variable frequency drives (VFDs), ensuring energy efficiency and improved airflow control. Maintenance accessibility was a key priority, with special attention given to electrical, plumbing, coil cleaning, and filter replacement considerations.

Option 1

This layout shares many of the room size and configurations but enhances patient visibility with windows into the space similar to an ICU Patient Room. The driving element for laying out patient rooms in an existing facility are the exterior window locations. Each patient room requires a window per code. Laying out consistent rooms does not always correspond with the building.

The layout for option 1 achieves 14-15 very consistent rooms styles, sizes and configurations. Utilizing a successful layout from an adjacent suite also creates consistency for the entire patient suite floor (6th Floor has 2 existing patient room suites.  The isolation rooms are close to the main transport corridor to limit movement through the suite.

Option 2

Option 2 was able to achieve a total of 16 rooms which includes 2 Isolation / Bariatric Rooms. The patient room layout differs from some existing where all the patient toilet/shower rooms are outboard (at exterior wall). This allowed the design of each room to be wider (15’ wide) compared to the Options 1 scheme (13’ wide). As noted prior the room location and size depend heavily on the existing building layout due to available window locations so there are some differences in the room layouts per room. We were able to incorporate more Patient visibility with windows into the space similar to an ICU Patient Room. There is a small charting area in the corridor between each set of patient rooms. These charting areas and visibility to patients is a bit inconsistent with this layout.

Beyond air handling, the team addressed critical issues with the hospital’s aging infrastructure. The existing pneumatic controls were replaced with modern Direct Digital Controls (DDCs) that were fully integrated into the Building Management System and Operations Plant. This upgrade enhanced balancing and controllability, improving long-term performance and reducing operational strain on facility staff. Chilled and hot water lines were modified to eliminate rusted condensate pans and facilitate easier future maintenance without service interruptions.

The project also required careful infection control planning, with all work adhering to strict Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) standards and protocols. Demolition and asbestos abatement were carried out with precision to minimize risks to patients and staff. Safety remained a top priority at every stage of construction, ensuring that the upgraded facility met the highest standards of healthcare infrastructure.

Client

Department of Veteran Affairs ‍ ‍Charlie Norwood VAMC

Location

Augusta, GA

Size

15,000 SF

Cost

$4,765,821

Dates

Design - 2022 Construction - 2026

Bancroft Services

Architecture, MEP Engineering, Interior Design, Cost Estimating, Structural Engineering, Project Management, Construction Administration

Consultants

FP&C Consultants - Fire Protection / Life Safety Engineering

Terracon - Asbestos Sampling

Contractor

Nacci Construction Services