Hospital Construction Requirements

Hospitals are a hub for health care procedures, emergencies and general care. Regulations set in place for hospital construction should, in reason, meet standards of equipment, sanitation, capacity and any other conditions that may influence health care of individuals frequenting hospital facilities. These regulations are set in place according to federal regulations of the Hospital Licensure Law.

Fire Safety

• Fire safety is a main concern when developing construction plans for a hospital. Fire safety standards must be placed in appropriate view for patients and hospital personnel. During the construction of a hospital, builders should comply with regulations according to the State Fire Prevention Commission.

  The first step to acquiring fire safety regulations is to complete an application for a fire license. Complete this application in accord with state rules and regulations.

Flexibility and Expandability

• Hospital needs and function ability constantly change. For this reason, they should be built to follow modular concepts of spacing, planning and layout. Modular concepts mean making plans with easy access and mechanical and electrical systems that can be easily modified. This requires much effort during predesign. Builders would want to go with generic room sizes. The VA Hospital Building System uses walk-through occupied floors for mechanical, electrical and plumbing distribution, which contributes to adaptability if the there is need for expansion.

Aesthetics

• Aesthetics will contribute to presenting the hospital as a friendly, open, homelike environment. Builders and designers must give close attention to natural light, materials and textures when embarking on a hospital build. Details would include attention to proportions, color and scale. The exterior design should also be compatible with the interior design.

Accessibility

• All areas of a hospital must comply with minimum requirements according to the Americans with Disability Act and also with the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards if federally owned. Sidewalks should be easily accessed, and entrance areas must be marked when there are glass entrance ways and walls. Marked entryways will help individuals who have a slower adaption rates from dark and light.

Security and Safety

• There is general safety guidelines for fire and patient access, but the hospital should also be built with other safety measures in mind. This includes protection of hospital property and assets including prescription drugs. The building must be designed to protect staff also. This may include extra lighting in staff parking areas, a stationed security guard or mandated entrance and exit areas for the staff. There should also be measures set in place for potential terrorism threats in relation to hospital staff and patients.

Sanitation

• The hospital should be easy to maintain and clean. Durable finishes contribute to an easy cleaning program. Door frames, casework and finish transitions should be built to avoid dirt catching or crevices that are hard to reach or clean. Housekeeping closets or spaces should be built to accommodate adequate supplies and cleaning materials. They should also be located in neutral areas for quick cleanup. Antimicrobial surfaces should be put into consideration for spaces that must remain sterile.