Pediatric Surgery Graz: Recovery Room with Plenty of Space and Atmosphere

Hospital Photo Credit: Foto Fechter

Christian Lorenz Photo credit: Lorenz Consult

Better conditions for surgeries and more space for small patients have recently been available in the recovery room of pediatric surgery at LKH Graz. The civil engineering firm Lorenz Consult realized the structural wish for expansion within record time and while the hospital was still operating.

When construction takes place, it can become noisy and dusty. If this circumstance coincides with the special hygiene regulations in the hospital sector, careful planning and extensive experience are required. Lorenz Consult has been working on various projects at LKH Graz for years. "Good collaboration with the specialists for building and medical technology as well as with the technical operations of the state hospital made it possible to quickly develop a good concept for the renovation of pediatric surgery," reports project manager Angelika Kogler from Lorenz Consult.

Involving all stakeholders from the beginning

Before the renovation work began, dust protection measures had to be implemented and attention was drawn to noise and vibration issues. Directly above the construction site was the outpatient clinic including laboratory facilities. "We were able to close three operating rooms for six weeks without resistance from the users through ongoing communication with all involved parties. During this time, all dirt removal work was completed," says Kogler. This avoided extensive dust protection measures, which would have cost time and money. A limited operation with two open operating rooms and an emergency operating room was always maintained.

Expansion from a design perspective

Even before the outbreak of Covid-19, it was evident that space in the pediatric surgery recovery room with six beds was tight. Last year, the number of beds had to be reduced to four due to distancing rules. Now, this is different: after redesign and the integration of storage areas, seven beds are available in 90 m2, ideally (post-Covid) nine. "Special attention was paid to design aspects to create a as comfortable environment as possible for children and their parents in the recovery room," explains project manager Kogler.

The project in detail:

- University Clinic for Pediatric Surgery at LKH Graz
- Expansion of recovery room from six to nine beds, increased to 90 m2
- Construction time 14 weeks with ongoing operation
- Planning start early June
- Commencement of renovation September 2020
- Handover December 2020