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Planning an ICU expansion: a 12-week timeline
From floor plan to first patient: the decisions, lead times and handovers that keep a critical-care project on schedule.
Dana Mercer
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Sep 9, 2026
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9 min read
Weeks 1–3: specify
Agree the device list with nursing, pharmacy and IT, and lock alarm and network requirements early.
Weeks 4–8: source and stage
Order long-lead items first, then stage and configure devices in a hub so the ward never sees a box.
Weeks 9–12: install and hand over
Install room by room, test HL7 feeds end to end and train super-users before go-live.
The decisions that set the timeline
Long-lead items such as central monitoring, ventilators and integrated alarm systems drive the schedule. Decide on these first, even if smaller items are still open.
Common causes of delay
Late network access, missing drug libraries and unfinished building works delay more ICU openings than equipment lead times. Track them as closely as deliveries.
After go-live
Plan a 30-day review with nursing, pharmacy and clinical engineering to adjust alarm limits, close snag lists and confirm the planned maintenance schedule.
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