Cook County Hospital

Maximized Patient-care Space

Efficient Material Storage Solutions Utilized Throughout 74 Areas of Hospital to Help Achieve Patient Service Goals

SITUATION:

Chicago's John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County was designed first and foremost to meet the needs of the patients with the most up-to-date technology, efficient design and contemporary settings. To maximize patient-care space, the design of the Stroger Hospital needed to be space-efficient. Those involved with the new construction project selected Spacesaver mobile systems and stationary shelving to help them achieve their patient service goals.

Solution:

Space-efficient storage solutions were planned throughout 74 areas of the facility, with material storage applications ranging from small, high-priced vials of narcotics to large, bulk cleaning supplies.

Mobile Storage

Eight high-density Spacesaver mobile systems are used in several areas of the facility including bulk pharmacy, clinical engineering, investigative drugs, narcotics vault, mammography, and ophthalmology.

• Heavy mammography films are stored in a large powered mobile system featuring easy push-button access.
• Highly secured narcotics and investigative drugs are efficiently stored in mobile systems and locked in a secure vault. Synchronized carriages feature smooth movement to ensure fragile vials stay in place on the shelves.

Stationary Shelving

Spacesaver stationary shelving is used in more than 50 areas of the hospital including bulk storage, pharmacy workroom and general storage in offices.

• Pharmaceutical storage incorporated "fast-mover" sorter shelves on the ends of each shelving range to keep active stock up front and maximize speedy retrieval of drugs and supplies.
• Mechanical and technical areas also utilized efficient storage solutions including equipment rooms, the carpenter shop, the paint shop and areas for plumbing and cleaning supplies.

By utilizing efficient Spacesaver storage solutions, Stroger Hospital was able to generate valuable patient-care space, hospital supplies are more secure and easier to access, and healthcare workers enjoy a more productive work environment.