IFHE NEWS
Co-ordinator of the IFHE COVID response, and IFHE Exco member, Walt Vernon, has written to thank a number of volunteer teams worldwide who have so far delivered eight projects across the globe in response to the pandemic, with three more in progress.
He said: “On behalf of the IFHE and the WHO, I would like to thank our volunteer teams for continuing to serve in the fight against this worldwide challenge. We expect more requests to come from the WHO, and we need to be ready. If you have changes to your availability or team members, be sure to let us know.” (Contact Troy Savage at
tsavage@mazzetti.com or Shannon Bunsen at
sbunsen@mazzetti.com) To date, eight projects have been completed, in Burkina Faso, Brazil, Ghana, Haiti, Ethiopia, Yemen, and Tchad, with three ongoing, in Ethiopia and Yemen. Nineteen volunteer teams have so far taken part, from Mexico, the US, Argentina, Brazil, Denmark, Germany, Canada, Japan, India, and Italy, creating, or serving, more than 500 inpatient beds. Walt Vernon said: “All our volunteers have gone above and beyond. There follows a selection of what some have said of their experience.”
“Having the opportunity to team with Mazzetti on the WHO COV19 Rapid Response Facility Design in Haiti has been both educational and inspirational. During this challenging year of 2020, while observing the crisis COVID-19 has created in the US and worldwide, and the associated challenges, it has been very gratifying knowing I have had a very small part in helping others.” – Roger Quelch, TreanorHL
“During these uncertain times, we were honoured and excited to contribute our healthcare design knowledge to assist in battling this pandemic, particularly in countries without access to the same
Impressive volunteer response to COVID challenges Project spotlight
level of resources as we do in Canada. Producing a thoughtful design within the short timeline was challenging – early identification of key considerations, concentrated collaboration with WHO representatives and design mentors, and the unwavering dedication of our team members, ultimately got us to the finish line. It was a rewarding experience, and we’re looking forward to the next opportunity to support this important initiative.” – Kim Spencer, HH Angus
“It was our privilege to collaborate with the WHO representatives and project team. We were inspired by the challenge to develop a circulation and planning strategy for infection prevention and control within the context of the existing infrastructure, and the essential need to minimise capital and operating costs.” – Robin Snell, Parkin Architects
“Through IFHE we received a WHO request which entailed providing support for a hospital in Addis Ababa with major wastewater problems. The Italian design team responded rapidly and effectively, liaising with local staff and a mentor team. It urgently needed to help local technicians repair a septic tank that was leaking, and posed a danger/risk to the public. The experience showed us how feasible and important it is to help others using our professional skills." – Daniela Pedrini, SIAIS “When our team was approached to assist in the redesign of the Sari Treatment Center at Al-Sadaqa Hospital in Aden, Yemen, we jumped on this opportunity to help those in need. It was definitely a team effort, built upon mutual feelings of inspiration, compassion, and hope. Everyone deserves a chance of receiving humane and decent healthcare. Hopefully, with the technical report and concept design we developed, this community in Aden is one step closer to receiving the care they so deserve and desperately need.” – Leslie McCanne, Cannon Design
– Tent ventilation, Ghana “WHO, through IFHE, asked us to assess the ventilation design of a new tent hospital to be built in Accra, Ghana. They requested a computational fluid dynamics assessment to understand the airflow movement within the space, especially around the patients, who had mild COVID symptoms. We assessed the airflows from the AC and HEPA filter systems, and then extracted by grilles behind the patients. We analysed the air volumes, velocity, and temperature, and the positioning of the exhaust grilles behind the patient. We advised on redesigning the HEPA filter system, and repositioning the exhaust grilles to provide better airflow from the patients towards the exhaust, and better air distribution. This design would then be used on all the tent hospital models being installed worldwide." – James Ramage, Mazzetti
Partner spotlight – LS3P
“Since delivering our first project, LS3P and Mazzetti have provided mentoring for each subsequent project. Their support has helped make all our work possible. We have mentored five teams on eight projects since completing our first project in Burkina Faso. We are honoured to be able to serve the WHO and IFHE in this capacity. Some of the lessons learned in this process include knowing the current healthcare, economic, and cultural situations, in the requesting countries, and studying these challenges within the context of site, patient, family, and staff flow and safety. Our teams design to the best possible solution regardless of these local challenges, while incorporating best practices from our firm’s and our partner firm’s experiences(s).” – Kristie Nicoloff and Willy Schlein, LS3P
May 2021 Health Estate Journal 17
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