Today's operating rooms are inefficient and overcrowded, and the turnover between cases is often lengthy and variable. New technologies and devices are often introduced haphazardly into an already technologically complex environment. This often leads to an HVAC system that is not equipped to handle these technological advancements. Adding these technologies over time will tremendously reduce the effectiveness of the HVAC system and its ability to meet the load and infection control requirements. This, in turn, potentially affects patient safety and hospital operating costs. Surgeons are demanding very sophisticated operating rooms, larger ones, and more stringent temperature and humidity requirements. Existing operating rooms, because of age and changes in codes, will struggle to meet the demand of these surgical teams. Existing hospitals operating rooms are often in need of a major overhaul to meet these stringent requirements, and the luxury of new construction is rarely on the cards. So upgrading these operating rooms usually means very complex renovation projects in one of the most important spaces in the hospital. What can a hospital facility team do to make renovation and expansion of the operating suite efficient and cost effective? This article will address some of the key items that need to be addressed to ensure a successful operating room renovation project.
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