June 2006
Medical Center A
Interview with Facilities Officer
Session Notes, August 30, 2005
Attendees
Howard Gibson
Nicholas Krauja
Robert Clifton
Theodore Moeller
William Nelson
Construction
Mr. Gibson was the Senior Resident Engineer in Charge and Mr. Clifton was the SRE responsi-
ble for electrical systems during construction of the facility. They provided valuable insights into
construction of VAHBS hospitals and offered suggestions for construction drawing content and
contract requirements for coordination by the general and sub-contractors.
Modularity and familiarity benefited construction process. Repetitive components facilitated or-
dering materials and allowed contractor to work with suppliers to develop and obtain factory fab-
ricated custom items, e.g., special wireway transitions. CD's required contractors to prepare
large scale coordination drawings for all areas of the building. Enforcement of this requirement
by RE's during construction identified and resolved potential conflicts prior to installation.
Operation
Interstitial level aids greatly in day-to-day maintenance. Most work can be accomplished with-
out disruption to functional zones. Even if functional zones are affected, only one floor will be
involved in shut-downs or relocations (e.g., plumbing work will not require access from ceiling or
floor below).
Modifications
Building was designed based on a workload for 1047 inpatient beds and 120,000 annual outpa-
tient visits. In 2005 hospital is operation with 500 inpatient beds and 800,000 outpatient visits.
Vacated nursing units have been converted to other functions. All major radiology equipment
has been replaced.
Availability of interstitial service zone has facilitated conversions/remodel work and greatly re-
duced impacts on occupied functional space.
Telecommunications work under control of IRMS. Cabling installed after construction contract
did not use wireway system. Installers, including vendors/contractors, disregard established
subzones and channels. Finding point-to-point runs of cable supported from other services is
not unusual.
Comments Advantages/Disadvantages of VAHBS
Continuing education of designers, bidders, and contractors is essential to maintain integrity of
established subzones and channels.
What would you change?
Education of designers, bidders, and contractors is essential for success of VAHBS. Recom-
mend intensive pre-bid meeting (2 days) to educate contractors, subs, and suppliers.
Recommend making fire sprinkler and transport (pneumatic tube) integrated systems.
SUPPLEMENT TO RESEARCH STUDY REPORT
VA HOSPITAL BUILDING SYSTEM
APPENDIX A-4
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