Delivering large healthcare facilities requires precise coordination among designers, trade contractors and project teams, particularly when construction occurs on active medical campuses or in challenging operating environments. McCarthy Building Companies has outlined several project delivery practices that demonstrate how digital technology and collaborative planning are being used to manage these increasingly complex healthcare projects.
McCarthy highlighted the use of shared digital models, Lean scheduling techniques and field collaboration tools to improve communication among project participants throughout construction.
According to the company, project teams used integrated 3D digital twin models to coordinate construction activities while Takt planning, Lean scheduling and daily planning meetings helped maintain workflow across hundreds of workers. These methods were applied during construction of the SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital project to improve coordination among multiple trades and project stakeholders.
The company also noted that field technology enabled project teams to monitor progress, improve schedule transparency and support decision-making throughout construction.
McCarthy reported that prefabrication played a significant role during work on the Barnes-Jewish Hospital Plaza West Tower, allowing portions of the building systems to be assembled off site before installation. The approach was intended to shorten field installation time while supporting quality control and worker safety.
For the Citizens Health Medical Center project, McCarthy emphasized construction planning that addressed rural project logistics and structural design considerations intended to improve resilience during severe weather conditions.
Across the featured healthcare projects, the company identified collaboration between owners, designers and construction teams as a central component of project delivery.
Healthcare construction continues to demand advanced planning because hospitals often remain operational while expansion or replacement work is underway. Digital coordination platforms, Lean production methods and prefabrication are increasingly being adopted to improve schedule reliability, reduce field conflicts and enhance jobsite safety.
For construction owners, developers and specialty contractors, these project delivery strategies illustrate how integrated planning and technology can help manage complex healthcare developments with multiple stakeholders, phased construction requirements and demanding operational constraints.
Source: McCarthy.
