The squeeze is on. Shrinking reimbursements, changes in delivery systems, new models of care, over-the-top technology, staff shortages, consumer patients. It's enough to make any healthcare provider run for cover, except there's no place to hide in our healthcare system.

SME understands the detailed business of healthcare. Upgrading facilities is a way of life for most healthcare organizations. And with those renovations and additions come a host of potential problems — vibration sensitive equipment, foundation support for buildings with adjacent basements or tunnel systems, and hazardous materials concerns such as asbestos, lead-based paint, mold, mercury, PCBs and medical waste. Whatever we encounter, facilities must remain in operation and schedules must be met.

Our team has helped hospitals and medical centers, ambulatory care centers and assisted living centers combat environmental hazards, clear construction hurdles, cut costs, and extend building life.

Two examples of how SME achieved construction cost savings: Holland Community Hospital in Holland and Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. We used vibrocompaction at both western Michigan hospitals to improve foundation subgrades. Vibrocompaction increases the allowable soil bearing pressure of the existing soils at sites with loose granular soils, effectively reducing foundation construction costs.

SME is also helping Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan — a 35-plus-year client — stay well by developing restoration and maintenance plans for their buildings and parking structures. Every year we update the plans, prioritizing facility needs and providing recommendations for rehabilitation.

After all, quality care isn't just for people.

For more information contact an SME office near you.
Click on image above to see larger view.
Click here for a list of representative projects.





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