Picture it: Sicily. 1879.

Okay this isn’t an episode of the Golden Girls. Instead, it’s Cincinnati, 1979. A building is being constructed. Electricians, plumbers, HVAC professionals are standing side-by-side at the construction site. They are determining how the various systems should flow throughout the building. One slight miscalculation means starting over. They are masters of their trades, so when they indicate a potential problem, work stops until it is corrected.

Now picture Cincinnati, 2012.

A hospital is being constructed. Electricians, plumbers, HVAC professionals and other masters are seated in front of computers. They are determining how the various systems should flow throughout the building. The difference: in 1979, the masters had to stand at the actual site to see if the systems would functional together. Today, a computer system allows the team of masters to view on a giant monitor how the systems run throughout the building. It indicates in red any areas where the plans may not work together, and the team makes the necessary adjustments – all before anyone has stepped away from the computers and outside the construction trailer.

“It is phenomenal,” says Michael Stephens, President and Market Leader, Mercy Health – West Region, “If anyone has ever wondered how buildings – including hospitals, office buildings and even homes – can be constructed so quickly, this will answer those questions. Technology has allowed firms like Turner Construction to proactively determine how electrical, plumbing, HVAC and other lines should be installed in buildings – and houses – before a single cable has been installed. It is absolutely fascinating, and Mercy Health is fortunate to be able to benefit from this technological
advancement.”

In a warehouse in Cincinnati, the firm Pivotek creates “mechanical racks.” These racks (think large metal duct systems) contain domestic hot and cold water piping, medical gas piping, fire protection piping, electrical conduit and cable tray, ductwork, and VAV boxes. They are assembled in the warehouse and stored until the hospital is ready. Once ready, Pivotek delivers the racks and they are hoisted and inserted into place. For HGTV
fans, you know this means valuable time and money saved. For the rest of us, this is another example of how the best, most current state-of-the-art technology is being applied to your new hospital, Mercy Health – West Hospital.

“This type of approach is not new to Mercy Health,” adds Stephens. “From the time the Sisters of Mercy and the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor opened hospital doors more than 150 years ago, quality has been the first priority. That applies to the doctors doing surgery to the lab techs drawing blood to the staff serving patients their lunch to the team building our new hospital. We will settle for nothing less than the best for our patients.”