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Anti-Ligature System Wide Upgrades

Industry

Healthcare

Client

Advocate Aurora Health

Delivery Method

CM at Risk

Architect

Cannon Design

Project Profile

The Behavioral Health Anti-Ligature Renovations were completed successfully, enhancing patient safety across multiple Advocate Aurora Health facilities. Michuda Construction’s strategic approach ensured compliance with CMS guidelines while maintaining the integrity of occupied behavioral health units. The renovated facilities now provide a safer environment for patients, aligning with the highest standards of behavioral health care.

PROJECT SCOPE

In response to the 2019 guidelines issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Michuda Construction undertook comprehensive anti-ligature renovations across multiple behavioral health facilities for Advocate Aurora Health. The CMS guidelines specified the need for ligature-resistant environments in psychiatric units within acute care hospitals, locked emergency department psychiatric units, and psychiatric hospitals to enhance patient safety.

The scope of work included the removal and replacement of high-risk items throughout patient areas, including handrails, doorknobs, door hinges, shower curtains, exposed plumbing, soap and paper towel dispensers, power cords, and lighting fixtures. Other key aspects of the project involved:

  • Installation of solid ceilings to replace drop ceilings.

  • Security screens on windows to prevent breakage or unauthorized opening.

  • Replacement of traditional lighting with tamper-proof fixtures.

  • Addition of video surveillance cameras for continuous monitoring.

  • Reconfiguration of nurses’ stations to provide line of sight to all patient room corridors.

  • Replacement of patient room furnishings with anti-ligature features to minimize risk.

CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS

The most complex aspect of this project was performing renovations in occupied behavioral health units without disrupting ongoing patient care. Michuda Construction implemented a series of specialized safety protocols to ensure compliance with behavioral health requirements:

  • Behavioral Health Training and Safety Protocols: All workers received targeted training on safety requirements specific to behavioral health locations. To mitigate potential risks, tool-in-hand and buddy system protocols were enforced, ensuring tools were monitored, and no equipment was left unattended in patient areas.

  • Quality Controls for Anti-Ligature Installations: Tamper-proof screws were used extensively across patient areas. Michuda’s team implemented rigorous quality control measures, verifying that all screws were torqued within specified tolerances. End-of-shift sweeps were also conducted to confirm that no materials or tools were left behind.

  • Minimizing Disruptions in Patient Care Areas: Working within an occupied unit required careful scheduling and site management. Michuda coordinated closely with facility staff to conduct work in a manner that minimized patient disruption and maintained a safe environment throughout the project.




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