From the September 2017 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine
By: Craig Fredrickson
Continued exploration of the benefits of proton therapy is at the core of the ever-increasing complex construction of new proton centers around the globe.
Proton therapy centers are uniquely complicated large structures typically associated with adjacent medical facilities that can range from $25 million to over $200 million to build, depending on the size and capacity of the facility and equipment. While each new facility is different, one common denominator is the priority placed on the interface between the architecture of the building and the science of the proton equipment. With pieces weighing up to 200 tons, the equipment requirements in a proton therapy facility mandate an attention to detail not always seen in construction projects.
Because of this fact, these miracle-producing medical facilities require complex construction implementation of equally complex designed structures and building systems. Optimal results are greatly enhanced by selecting only the most experienced construction team. Insight and technological integration planning are also critical for a successful project. How quickly and effectively each individual challenge is handled distinguishes the seriously qualified firm from others less able.
Interface management
Due to the complex and dynamic nature of proton therapy construction and infrastructure projects, the ability to identify and classify key activities performed in the field well in advance can improve the quality and reliability of project decision-making and control. Prior experience in the building type – the more the better, coupled with expertise in preconstruction estimating and construction planning are the first steps in predicting success during construction. Managing how specialists interface, whether a waterproofing subcontractor or a nuclear physicist for shielding calculations, cannot be understated.
Equipment and infrastructure interface management
Proton therapy planning does not follow the typical design phases of most capital projects. Typically, the design team outlines the conceptual parameters of the project during schematic design. Subsequent phases are marked by every increasing detail and definition being added to the contract documents, which are then used by the construction team to build. Figuratively speaking, nothing is “cast in stone” until the design is complete and maximum flexibility must be adhered to during construction.
