The Jamaica Plain Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in Boston, Massachusetts, undertook a project to modernize its aging radiation therapy suite and expand office space for personnel with a new addition to the building. The primary objectives were to enhance the suite with new ceilings, wall coverings, and flooring; install updated air devices and receptacles; provide a new air-handling unit to meet modern airflow requirements; and minimize disruptions to veterans and staff.
Jamaica Plain VA’s radiation therapy suite is located in the lower levels of the hospital, housing a waiting room, exam room, offices, and a linear accelerator. The linear accelerator had already been upgraded in a separate project by Above Group. The VA sought to improve the existing suite to enhance patient treatment flow. This project constructed 1,600 square feet of new space and renovated 1,700 square feet. Additionally, the project included the design of a new three-ply modified bitumen roof, installation of new card access systems for secure rooms, and integration of these systems into the existing fire alarm network. The access-controlled doors and frames were replaced to ensure egress during emergencies while maintaining security.
The radiation therapy suite is served by an existing 4,000 CFM air handling unit; however, this unit cannot provide additional airflow for the new addition. Part of the new design incorporates a new air handling unit, sized on the latest VA HVAC Design Manual for radiation therapy suites. We embraced the challenge of keeping the existing unit operational for the longest allowable time before tying the new unit into the existing ductwork. The design team worked with the VA and prepared a phasing plan to allow the new unit to be installed and functional before tying it into the existing distribution ductwork.
Working closely with the VA staff, a sequence of work and construction phasing plan was developed that resulted in the least amount of feasible disruption and relocation of Veterans while still maintaining an efficient and cost-effective construction schedule and plan. The construction plan included seven distinct phases, allowing the contractor to work in one or two rooms at a time while allowing patient access to the linear accelerator. Specifically, the construction phasing plan allows the ability to temporarily vacate building areas to support construction while also minimizing infection control risk assessment (ICRA) implications. This phased approach also reduced infection control risks and allowed VA staff to complete maintenance and repair projects in unoccupied spaces.
Another challenge was to align the project scope with the budget while adhering to funding limitations. The budget was reviewed at each design submission, and decisions including phasing, re-use of existing equipment, and phasing options allowed the project to remain under budget for construction. This design-to-budget approach not only brought the project scope and cost into alignment, but also resulted in a significantly less disruptive and intrusive solution for the Veterans and Staff. It also met the needs and intent of the project goals by installing an updated and current-technology system with the availability of parts and services, while improving the functionality of these systems, and also allowed for scope enhancements to be included to address noted system deficiencies, such as improved audibility of the existing paging system with new loudspeakers, signal processing, amplification, and enhanced loudspeaker coverage.
In summary, Above Group, Inc. successfully leveraged its technical expertise and project management skills to collaborate with the Jamaica Plain VAMC in designing a modernized radiation therapy suite that met both the project’s goals and budget. Above all, the project fulfilled the needs of VA staff and Veterans receiving care. Above Group, Inc. is honored to partner with the Department of Veterans Affairs, combining a passion for engineering with a commitment to providing the best possible “care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors”.
