The opening of a critical service line at Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Illinois was completed successfully with support from Pointcore Construction Program Management, overcoming obstacles and avoiding potential delays along the way.
CHALLENGE
Little Company of Mary Medical Center, a 298-bed hospital in Illinois, was facing a critical deadline for the opening of a new electrophysiology lab in March 2024. However, the initial plans included a mechanical unit with a 40-week lead time, which would delay the lab’s opening and disrupt hospital operations. Pointcore, acting as Program Manager in a Construction Manager delivery model, was tasked with overseeing the project and ensuring timely completion. Common program management services for this project, such as procurement management and schedule coordination, were crucial to mitigating delays. The team needed to find a solution to expedite the mechanical unit delivery, avoid disruptions, and meet the lab’s opening deadline while maintaining high standards of quality and operational efficiency.
SOLUTION
Pointcore quickly mobilized their network of high-quality engineers and vetted trade partners, specifically selected for their expertise in successful, safe healthcare construction. Drawing on their deep understanding of healthcare-specific requirements, Pointcore worked closely with these trusted partners to identify an alternative mechanical unit, reducing the lead time from 40 weeks to just 13. This solution was made possible through effective procurement management, value engineering, schedule optimization and communication approach.
- Open communication and collaboration were key to the project’s success.
- Transparent culture among Client, Design Team, and Trade Partners ensured seamless coordination.
- Regular meetings to review progress, address challenges, and make decisions kept the project on schedule.
- Proactive problem-solving ensured timely issue resolution without delays.
- Strong network of trusted engineers and trade partners prevented delays and met critical deadlines.
- Comprehensive preconstruction services, including procurement and value engineering, optimized costs and schedules.
- Approach helped the Client avoid operational disruptions while maintaining quality and efficiency.
RESULTS
The successful collaboration and proactive solutions led to the timely opening of the electrophysiology lab, with no disruption to the hospital’s operations. Pointcore’s ability to reduce the lead time for the mechanical unit by 67.5%, from 40 weeks to just 13 weeks, was instrumental in keeping the project on track. As a result, the lab not only opened on time but also received Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) occupancy approval three months ahead of the original Substantial Completion Date. This early approval provided OSF with additional time to prepare for the lab’s operational launch, further minimizing any impact on patient care. The project’s success reflects the effectiveness of Pointcore’s integrated approach, combining expertise in healthcare construction, a robust network of trusted partners, and a focus on maintaining project schedules and quality standards.
ABOUT POINTCORE
Pointcore is an innovative healthcare services company who aims to transform health care in the communities we serve by working in five key service areas: Technology, Supply Chain, Healthcare Technology Management (HTM), Construction and Business Services. Pointcore works exclusively in healthcare, which sets us apart from other consulting operations. We work with healthcare organizations to determine their unique areas of need, then use our extensive healthcare expertise to develop a custom solution for each operation.
Pointcore’s construction services utilizes healthcare construction experts who understand the healthcare construction industry and provide proficient guidance that ensures successful projects. Pointcore offers design-build services, owner representation, master facility planning and more. Contact us to connect with a Pointcore representative to talk about how we can help transform your healthcare organization to bring the best care possible to patients.
