Meritus Medical Center

WSP was part of the team that delivered this regional infectious containment (RIC) unit in just four months – an expansion critical in the fight against COVID-19.

Location

Maryland, USA

Client

Meritus Medical Center

Architect

Matthei & Colin

Project Value

$12.5M

Project Status

Completed in 2020

This $12.5M, single-story addition to the existing Meritus Medical Center facility opened in July 2020, providing acute care to COVID-19 patients in isolated, safe treatment space. A separate entrance and exit protect the hospital’s general population from infection. The new wing sits at the back of the facility, connected via a corridor that leads to the outpatient and administration wing. The rapid onset of the pandemic demanded an accelerated design and construction schedule, compressing work that would normally be done in 16-20 months to just four.

Accelerating Design

The project successfully met this goal, opening to the public in July 2020, in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to delivering the project while transitioning to fully remote working, the WSP team was also challenged by the need to select equipment that would be available in the compressed time frame. To meet this challenge, the team used an inverted design approach, selecting major equipment before floor plans were finalized, for example air handling units, exhaust fans, supply terminal air units, plumbing fixtures, panelboards and lighting fixtures. The team relied on extensive medical design experience to select equipment – everything specified was used and no additional equipment needed to be ordered.

The 12,800-square-foot, single-story addition to the existing hospital included 20 patient rooms, entrance and exit ante rooms, respiratory therapy space and support spaces required for a medical/surgical facility

Flexible Ventilation Systems

The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system for the project has two modes of operation: a normal mode to be used when the unit acts as a typical medical/surgical patient floor and an infectious mode where all patient rooms will operate under negative pressure and maintain a minimum of 12 air changes per hour. It includes a critical care quality air handling unit capable of providing 100% outside air.

Meritus Medical Center interior wash station

©GILBANE

Meritus Medical Center’s expansion provides COVID-19 patients with isolated space to serve their needs while protecting the hospital’s general population from infection.