Although most commonly used as smaller mobile care units, such as MRI rooms, applications range from dialysis facilities and pharmacies to surgical suites, or even emergency care units rapidly deployed in the aftermath of a natural disaster.
“This option provides a great opportunity for community hospitals to add fixed imaging services in a rapid fashion and at a palatable price point,” relates Steven Wagman, vice-president and practice director for Enterprise Solutions, Malvern, Pennsylvania, and Lynette Sroka, AIA, senior manager, design and construction Services, Cary, North Carolina, both with Siemens Medical Solutions, USA.
Similarly, Brian Johnson, president, Serenus Johnson Portables, LLC., Bay City, Michigan, points out, “We have found that modular construction is an economical solution to permanent construction or when temporary (one to three years) usage is required. Modular is a quick way to get up and going now that codes can be met with a little pre-planning and creative engineering.”
Of course, temporary can easily translate to “permanent,” as Michael P. Sheerin, PE, LEED AP, principal, director of healthcare engineering, TLC Engineering for Architecture, Orlando, has witnessed time and time again. Not interested in giving up space once it's created, such “temporary” modulars frequently end up serving a variety of changing spaces needs for a decade or more.
Some such uses have included administrative or clinic swing space during hospital renovations, or as temporary expansion space. For one recent TLC project, a modular unit was actually turned into a kitchen while the main kitchen was renovated.
The basics
Essentially, these units are built off-site in the factory under controlled conditions. Consequently, there's a higher level of quality control, material shortages are reduced, and weather delays are avoided, according to Wagman and Sroka.
“Mechanical and electrical infrastructures can be installed and tested offsite, creating process efficiencies and improved functionality,” agrees Michele Cunningham, vice-president, marketing and business development, Williams Scotsman, Baltimore. “For example, when constructing a modular diagnostic imaging solution, the scan room can be encapsulated into one module, allowing for the complex shielding, electrical, and mechanical connections to be made in the factory.”
Since construction phases occur simultaneously, as opposed to sequentially, site work and off-site construction proceed concurrently, essentially cutting the construction timeline in half.
Of course, speed to occupancy quickly translates to the bottom line, as was the case with the recent modular construction of a digital mammography center for Massachusetts' Cambridge Hospital. According to Cliff Cort, president, Triumph Modular, Littleton, Massachusetts, whose company designed the unit, the facility was up and running six months ahead of schedule, enabling the hospital to cash in on tens of thousands of dollars every week in revenues. (For more, see sidebar, “Drop In Modular for Cambridge Hospital,” on pg. 37.)
Customization
Fundamentally, Johnson explains that modular buildings are pre-engineered at a basic level, and then customized per application.
For those manufacturers who specialize in medical units, such as Williams Scotsman, blueprints, developed over time, are used for a basic outpatient facility design, and then tweaked based upon facility needs. “For more complex designs, a customized architectural plan can be developed,” notes Cunningham.
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