knocked down at a relatively low cost if future expansion is needed.
Outfitting ORs with stainless steel modular walls means wall sec-
tions can be snapped out, repaired and replaced. Modular walls also
allow for easy access to electric and gas lines for repair overnight or
over a weekend. Installing modular walls might cost more up-front,
but you might spend less on future repairs and renovations.
Bang for your buck
The typical surgical facility will remain operational for 15 to 20 years.
You must build for today, but must also consider what will keep your
facility relevant in a couple decades and do what you can now to min-
imize future renovation costs. A water wall in your lobby will wow
patients and erecting an ultra-modern structure might earn you an
architectural design award, but you'll get more bang for your building
buck by investing in an OR that's ahead of its time.
OSM
Dr. Reeves (reevess@musc.edu) is the interim chief physician executive at
Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, S.C.
On Point
OP
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