Extension of the Quirónsalud Badalona Hospital: challenges and solutions in the execution of works in hospital environments
The Quirónsalud Badalona Hospital, inaugurated in December 2023, has established itself as a reference center for medical care in the region. It has a highly qualified team that covers more than 35 medical-surgical specialties, offering comprehensive and personalized care to its patients. The hospital is currently in the process of expansion to improve its care capacity and offer new services, without losing sight of the humanization of spaces and the entry of natural light that characterizes it.
The expansion of the hospitalization service at the Quirónsalud Hospital in Badalona responds to the need for growth of the Centre without affecting its operation. This Centre represents how hospital architecture can be flexible, adapting the different spaces to future needs. The project has added two new floors, the fourth and fifth, which were free in the original planning. This action has allowed the work to be integrated efficiently with the existing infrastructure. These two floors had been reserved in the initial design of the hospital, facilitating the adaptation of the rooms , the entry of natural light and the pre-installation of sewage downpipes and air conditioning and gas risers.
With a total of 1,330 m² of usable area, the extension includes 36 new single rooms, including one suite per floor, as well as new work rooms, nursing check-ups and support areas. Previous experience with the already operational floors has allowed for minimal adjustments to be made in this new phase to optimize the functionality of the space.
Interior de una de las habitaciones del Hospital Quirónsalud Badalona. Fotografía de Jorge Allende.
The challenge of building in a functioning hospital
Working in a hospital environment involves specific challenges, especially in terms of safety and infection prevention. Although the extension is located on floors separate from the current activity, key measures have been taken to minimize risks and ensure the safety and comfort of staff and patients. From the beginning, planning and coordination with the hospital have been essential to avoid interference with healthcare activity and to optimize access for materials and workers.
Dust and particle control has been a priority, so critical points such as lifts, installation risers and communication cores have been sealed to prevent their spread to other areas. In addition, cleaning protocols have been reinforced in the construction area, ensuring proper management of waste and debris to keep the environment free of contamination. Work has also been done on strict access control, establishing specific routes for workers and materials with the aim of reducing the possibility of cross-contamination.
Sectorization: key to a safe and controlled execution
One of the most relevant points in the execution has been the sectorization of the work, a fundamental aspect to guarantee safety and infection control. To this end, physical barriers have been implemented with dry partition systems, ensuring their sealing with the floor and the false ceiling. In cases where it has been necessary, these barriers have been extended to the slab by using plastics, avoiding the dispersion of suspended particles.
Access to the construction areas has been regulated by metal doors, with adhesive mats specifically for clean rooms placed at the exit to the clean area, which are renewed at least once a day to ensure their effectiveness. In addition, the planning of the work has included the periodic disinfection of the surrounding areas by scrubbing and sanitizing, carried out at least twice a day in coordination with the hospital’s prevention services.
The expansion of the Quirónsalud Hospital in Badalona is an example of how hospital architecture can adapt to the integration of new infrastructures without compromising the operation of an active healthcare centre.
Exterior del Hospital Quirónsalud Badalona. Fotografía de Jorge Allende.