Trauma Bay Expansion - Active ED

PROJECT PROFILE Trauma Bay Expansion – Active Emergency Department Location: Chicago, Illinois Client: Advocate Health – Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center Delivery Method: Construction Manager at Risk Size: 1,000 SF (approx.)

PROJECT OUTCOME Michuda Construction successfully expanded the existing trauma room at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center from two trauma bays to four, all within a live, fully operational Level 1 Emergency Department. This critical care upgrade was delivered without any interruptions to patient care, leveraging Michuda’s proven expertise in occupied healthcare construction. The project elevated the trauma department’s capacity, technology, and workflow efficiency—positioning the facility to better serve patients in time-sensitive medical emergencies.

PROJECT SCOPE Serving as Construction Manager at Risk, Michuda Construction led the interior renovation and expansion of the trauma room within AIMMC’s active Emergency Department. The project required the reconfiguration of several adjacent spaces to support the increased clinical footprint.

Key Elements of the Project:

• Trauma Bay Expansion: Enlarged the existing two-bay trauma room to four high-acuity trauma bays, optimizing layout and visibility for emergency staff.
  

• Demolition & Repurposing: Demolished and absorbed adjacent spaces, including the Counseling Room (1161), EVS Closet (1102), and an equipment alcove, to accommodate the expanded trauma suite. Storage and equipment functions were reallocated nearby with new power and data connections installed.
  

• Medical Gas Service Booms: Installed four ceiling-mounted service booms with oxygen, vacuum, medical air, and integrated lighting, monitor arms, and nurse call.
  

• Lighting & Visual Access: Included new trauma-grade track lighting, surgical exam lights, and integrated monitor mounting for enhanced diagnostics and procedures.
  

• In-Wall Infrastructure: New MEP systems including medical gases, plumbing, emergency power, and data backbone to support trauma bay equipment and communications.
  

• Finish Upgrades: Installed seamless flooring, abuse-resistant wall finishes, and cleanable ceilings for infection control and ease of maintenance.
  

• Equipment Coordination: Relocated medical equipment from the demolished alcove to newly allocated ED locations, coordinated with staff to ensure seamless functionality.
  

CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS

Occupied Emergency Department Challenge: Executing invasive work without disrupting life-saving emergency services. Solution: Michuda implemented phased work plans, after-hours construction, and full ICRA/ILSM containment strategies. Daily coordination with ED clinical leadership ensured zero impact on operations.

Utility Re-Routing Challenge: Utility infrastructure required relocation without service interruption. Solution: Strategically sequenced temporary and permanent utility connections. Every system cutover was pre-coordinated and backed by contingency planning.

Repurposing Existing Space Challenge: Removing and absorbing storage and utility rooms created functional gaps. Solution: Michuda worked with hospital facilities to identify alternate locations for displaced storage and equipment—complete with necessary data and electrical infrastructure.

VALUE-ADDED HIGHLIGHTS

• Maintained 24/7 Operations: Full ED functionality was preserved throughout construction with zero clinical downtime.
  

• ICRA/ILSM Compliance: Infection prevention, dust control, and safety were upheld to the highest healthcare standards.
  

• Staff-Centric Coordination: Constant engagement with ED leadership ensured seamless access, noise mitigation, and minimized clinical impact.
  

• Clinical Workflow Optimization: Expanded layout enhances staff movement, visibility, and response times—critical in high-acuity trauma situations.