Ready to make a BIG move?

CROTHALL IS!

Exceptional planning and execution ensure flawless opening of The Suzanne and David Saperstein Critical Care Tower of the Cedars-Sinai Health System, Los Angeles, CA

Patients the world over look to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center of Los Angeles for premier health care. Consistently ranked by US NEWS AND WORLD REPORT as one of the nation's top hospitals, Cedars-Sinai's size and activity are dazzling: 272,000 patient days, 77,400 ER visits, 23,400 surgeries, and 6,700 births annually. All of this occurs in buildings containing 2.8 million square feet and 970 beds.

A Crothall Environmental Services customer since 1998, Cedars-Sinai opened the Saperstein Critical Care Tower in January 2006, following years of careful planning and construction. The state-of-the-art 280,000 square foot tower has 120 critical care beds and a 30-bed rapid turnover unit, making it one of the largest and most sophisticated critical care units in southern California.To ensure sparkling conditions and a smooth opening, Cedars turned to Crothall and its Unit Director, Bill Hund.

THE PLAN

Working closely with Cedars-Sinai's Director of Materials and Facilities Management, Gerry DeSilva, the Hospital's Physical Plant Department, an array of nursing and department managers, and the construction contractors, Bill Hund and his management team designed and executed a plan for rapid and thorough post-construction clean-up of the Tower.

As with most projects of this scale, there were both anticipated and unanticipated challenges. And although cleaning the new building was a major focus, there were dozens of logistical needs to be considered.Things like new soap, paper towel, and toilet paper dispensers to install; new cleaning equipment to purchase; new linens to acquire; and new staff to hire and train. Bill and his team realized this and moved into high gear.

Construction delays were frustrating, as were repeat cleanings following additional construction work. However, Bill and his team were committed to staying ahead of the cleaning curve by continuously removing trash and debris, and providing general cleaning services through the construction process.

THE MOVE

Staying close to the project and coordinating carefully with the construction teams gave Bill the insight and edge he needed to execute the final cleaning. In fact, he and Gerry DeSilva attended dozens of meetings with department and nursing managers to ensure that all needs were clearly identified and addressed. Following a grueling weekend, during which Bill and his team cleaned and polished feverishly, the facility began to shine.The Saperstein Critical Care Tower was ready for patients as planned at precisely 8:00 a.m. on Monday, January 25th, 2006.The move proceeded flawlessly; however, Environmental Services' work was not complete. Each of the older, vacating units required a thorough post-move cleaning to prepare them for alternative uses.

THE RESULT: SUCCESS!

Gerry DeSilva was pleased, as were Saperstein physicians, nurses, and support staff."Bill Hund and his team were committed to this project. Because they so thoroughly planned, anticipating every detail, on that Monday the building was immaculate and the users were delighted! Everything flowed so smoothly, we effected the transfer in just 8 hours. Bill and his team had the linens, supplies, staffing, and managers in place and ready to roll. They did a terrific job!" In fact, an additional benefit to the hospital-virtually overlooked in the excitement of the move-was a significant improvement in productivity. Although the number of critical care beds at Cedars- Sinai doubled from 76 to 150, the number of FTEs assigned to clean them increased by only 36%, resulting in a 30% productivity improvement!

"The Crothall team was phenomenal," recalls Bill Hund, "They came together to bring the building online and their commitment and unity haven't wavered a bit since the move. It has also created a closer connection with our customers. We have enriched our relationships with the nursing and department users.They trust us, are welcoming when we come to their units, and have shown appreciation in very open ways."

To learn more about how to plan and coordinate a major building move, contact us at 1-800-447-4476.