Renovating a Postpartum Unit Without Disrupting Patient Care
Brigham and Women's Hospital needed to modernize dozens of patient rooms while maintaining infection control, patient access, and satisfaction throughout construction.
The 793-bed nonprofit teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School in Boston, recently embarked on a major renovation of its postpartum unit. With dozens of patient rooms requiring updates, the hospital turned to Suffolk Construction, a trusted partner with over 30 completed projects for Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH).
Challenge
The renovation presented two key challenges. First, Suffolk needed to comply with ICRA Class IV infection control requirements, ensuring negative airflow into the construction zone to prevent contamination. Second, the hospital’s postpartum floors had to remain operational, requiring a containment solution that was easy to install and remove while offering effective ICRA barriers to reduce noise and maintain patient comfort.
Solution
To meet these demands, Suffolk Construction chose STARC’S ICRA barrier solutions, which included negative air panels. These barriers provided superior containment while allowing the team to work efficiently across multiple rooms. The system’s ease of assembly and disassembly minimized downtime and disruption, ensuring a seamless experience for patients and staff.
When we begin a project, we meet with the health and safety department as well as infection control. It’s important that our containment systems meet ICRA Class IV standards. Also we need negative air containment; this is key. The hospital’s infection control contacts are all now familiar with STARC and know it’s the real deal.
Dustin Clement, Superintendent, Suffolk Construction, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Results
STARC’s ICRA barriers significantly reduced renovation noise—by up to 50%—leading to improved patient satisfaction scores. Hospital staff also reported that the barriers blended seamlessly into the environment, enhancing the patient experience.
“We had so many comments—nurses didn’t even know they were containment walls,” said Dustin Clement, Superintendent at Suffolk Construction. “The best compliment we can get is that people don’t even realize there’s renovation work going on. That’s critical in a healthcare setting.”
Why STARC ICRA Barriers?
Compliance: Meets and exceeds ICRA Class IV/V standards.
Efficiency: Quick installation and breakdown, reducing project timelines.
Noise Reduction: Up to 50% sound attenuation, enhancing patient comfort.
Clean Aesthetics: Blends into the hospital environment, avoiding disruption.
Protect Patients Without Disrupting Care
Discover how reusable ICRA containment systems help healthcare facilities maintain compliance, reduce noise, and support uninterrupted patient care during renovation projects.
