Denver Health and Hospital Authority Peri-operative Remodel

Modernizing critical care environments while maintaining uninterrupted hospital operations and patient safety.

Serving a facility where approximately one-quarter of Denver residents receive care, this complex multi-phase renovation required meticulous planning, rigorous infection-control protocols, and continuous coordination to ensure patient safety and uninterrupted hospital operations. Working within active clinical environments, Saunders successfully completed the project on schedule and under budget despite aggressive timelines and significant construction challenges.

The project involved renovations throughout some of the hospital’s most critical departments, including areas adjacent to the Emergency Department, operating rooms, radiology services, and MRI suites. Throughout construction, negative-pressure environments were maintained and continuously monitored, while all building systems remained fully operational to support ongoing patient care.

Phase 1 & 5: New Surgery Staff Support and Surgery Intensive Care Unit (SICU): Phases 1 and 5 were executed concurrently and focused on enhancing surgical and intensive care services. The surgery staff support renovation created new locker rooms, lounges, offices, and conference space to improve staff functionality and comfort. Simultaneously, the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) underwent a complete reconstruction that included the removal of a large skylight and installation of new structural decking and concrete directly above an active emergency department. Additional structural work involved removing and replacing a substantial precast wall located above the Radiology Department.

Phase 2: New 17 Station Post-anesthesia Care Unit & Surgery Support: Phase 2 transformed approximately 5,500 square feet into a new 17-station post-anesthesia care unit and surgery support area. The redesigned layout improved patient observation capabilities and operational efficiency for clinical staff.

Phase 3: New Outpatient Gastrointestinal Suite and 20 Preoperative Stations:Phase 3 included the creation of a new outpatient gastrointestinal suite and a 20-station preoperative area. The renovation also added support spaces and new inpatient rooms, expanding the hospital’s capacity to provide specialized outpatient and surgical services.

Phase 4: SICU Finish Upgrade:Phase 4 focused on upgrading nearly 13,000 square feet within the SICU. Improvements included new millwork, flooring, ceilings, paint, and other interior finishes. Because the unit remained operational throughout construction, work was carefully phased one room at a time to minimize impacts on patient care.

Phase 6: Respiratory Therapy Center: The final phase delivered a new Respiratory Therapy Center through the renovation of existing space, further expanding the hospital’s clinical capabilities and support services.

The result is a comprehensive modernization program that enhanced critical care, surgical, and support environments while maintaining the highest standards of patient safety and operational continuity throughout construction.