Case Study: Centralized Laboratory Services

A Deeper LookThe Pathology Lab serves as an important place of inquiry into the intricacies and characteristics of diseases to help determine proper diagnosis.

The Pathology Lab is also a place of learning for medical students and medical professionals. Having efficient design and modern technology not only makes for a well-run lab to aid diagnostic services for clinicians and hospitals, but enhances the ability to perform leading edge research. With many Pathology Labs encapsulating a multitude of pathological testing, design plays a vital role in creating an organized, centralized and knowledge-sharing space.

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KEY DRIVERS FOR A CONSOLIDATED LABORATORY

With eight locations clustered in and around New York City, Montefiore Medical Center is one of the most prominent medical providers and academic health systems in the city. With functions dispersed throughout locations, however, Montefiore came to Array to help consolidate laboratory functions, a need determined by changing tides in the health-care industry and new developments in technology as well as a need to accommodate a growth in the health system and their patient volume. Centralizing services will allow for new workflows and process improvements around new automated technology that could not be incorporated appropriately in existing spaces or floor plates.

The plan is to develop a contemporary Reference Pathology Laboratory, servicing Montefiore facilities in Westchester County and Bronx, NY, within a four-story building in Mount Vernon, NY. The interior will be renovated for medical laboratories. Included in the program are new elevators, all new HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire Protection, Fire Alarm, Security, IT/Telecom, toilets, renovated stairs and egress.

Core labs services will be centralized at the 112,000 SF Mt. Vernon location and in-clude: Medical Pathology, Clinical Pathology, Mass Spectrometry, Anatomical Pathology, Microbiology, Electron Microscope Lab, Molecular Infectious Disease and Genetics/Genomics Services including Cytogenetic and Molecular Pathology. Having these ser-vices encapsulated under one roof encourages collaboration, research and enhances Montefiore’s expertise. The goal of this project is to centralize lab services for efficient design, an efficient construction process and simplified service. Another benefit of cen-tralizing lab services is found in streamlining services which can lead to time and capital gains.

CHALLENGE

Montefiore Medical Center needed to consolidate Pathology Lab services into a centralized location to accom-modate a changing industry while keeping the services operational. The new lab also had to accommodate space for teaching and training attending pathologists, residents and fellows.

SOLUTION

By choosing an off-site location, Montefiore was able to house all pathology facets to complement a changing healthcare industry, including a 24/7 Reference Lab and the Center of Diagnostic Medicine. Using a Lean project delivery method ensured that an accelerated schedule could be met and kept hospital-based lab functions operational.

Centralizing Services

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CURRENT CONDITIONS

Having recently acquired new hospitals, there was an opportunity for Montefiore to utilize existing hospital space for patient services and consolidate four laboratories into one location – a former four-level warehouse. The retrofit of the 112,000 SF core and shell of the warehouse along with the fitout of the lab functions will take place with minimal changes to the site. The brick exterior will remain and minimal site changes will help to stay within target dates of our accelerated schedule.

ACCELERATED SCHEDULE

The schedule is fast-tracked to accommodate future services intended for the spaces being vacated by the labs. For example, with the transfer of lab services from Montefiore’s Moses campus, space will become available to expand the patient services within the pediatric program at Moses. To maintain stat lab functions at the hospital, a 6,000 SF Rapid Response Lab is being developed to serve the campus.

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MODERN DESIGN FOR LABS AND SUPPORT SPACES

The building height volume and floor area will remain un-changed while the rooftop equipment will be replaced with new mechanical and electrical services. An emergency generator will maintain power during interruptions. Windows, curtain walls and doorways will be replaced, along with replacement of all glazing.

To ensure safety and efficiency, the Mt. Vernon Lab will have one shared entrance for staff and patients with separate entrances and egress for materials, trash, waste, and courier service for receiving specimens / autopsy delivery.

The Mt. Vernon Pathology Lab represents a shift in healthcare design, consistent with Montefiore’s standard of design quality. Also significant is that the spaces typically concealed from the patients are designed with as much thought and intention as if they were to be high-end patient areas. Highlighted with a soothing color palette, the interior spaces are intended to support efficiency and focus as well as to attract and retain

staff with an enjoyable work setting. Sit-to-stand adjustable work space will be installed to accommodate a variety of uses and individual preferences. Creating continuity throughout the lab and a consideration of interior views from the exterior were carefully considered.

Implementation

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Natural wood and stone finishes have been incorporated into the interior design to offer a timeless sophisticated and attrac-tive feel. The design also articulates areas for quiet independent work and studying or collaborative work with interior conference rooms outfitted with modern furniture, enhanced acoustic ceil-

ing tiles and glass storefronts. Other staff amenities will include an exercise space with showers, a staff cafe and outside seating areas for breaks and team meetings in nice weather.

A TRENDING MODEL

Patient care, teaching, training and research all benefit from this new space. Adaptively reusing a shuttered warehouse, those dedicating their healthcare careers to advancing science and medicine will relish the opportunities to collaborate as never before in a strategically-conceived space specifically for their needs.

By off-siting lab services and expanding hospital-based services at each facility, increases in patient satisfaction and market-share are expected. Being able to provide appropriate-ly-sized departments in the newly-acquired square footage will increase functions and fulfill requests from staff for optimal work environments.

Investing in what many consider a back-of-house function and giving it the space and means to expand and prosper will engage staff, clinicians and patients in a unique facility designed specifically to their needs.

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