what we build
South Shore Hospital | West Unit
South Shore Hospital | West Unit | South Weymouth, MA
The New West Unit project at South Shore Hospital involved a comprehensive renovation and expansion of the active hospital’s West Unit. By doubling the existing short stay unit’s capacity, more patients can be relocated based on case severity, freeing up critical emergency care beds and ensuring every patient receives the appropriate level of care. As patient volumes continue to grow, the hospital’s investment in the expansion of the West Unit reflects its commitment to delivering a higher level of service and enhanced patient experience for the South Shore community. As the hospital continues to experience an unprecedented volume of patients, the expansion of the West Unit significantly increases their ability to serve the South Shore community.
Partners
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Client South Shore Hospital
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Design Team CUBE 3 Studio
Project Details
In addition to doubling the existing capacity of the unit from 10 to 20 beds, the project added three new nurses’ stations, expanded storage areas, upgraded patient baths and showers, and the replacement of the Air Handler Unit feeding the renovated space. Each enhancement was thoughtfully designed to elevate patient care and operational efficiency, all within the sensitive environment of a busy, occupied hospital.
In-Field Investigation Ensuring Predictable Outcomes
During GMP development, DPR invested significant time to closely examine the existing HVAC conditions within the hospital. This hands-on investigation provided valuable insights into the complexities of replacing ductwork in a six-story shaft and above the main corridor ceiling. To ensure clarity and alignment, DPR utilized DroneDeploy 360 cameras to capture existing conditions, facilitated trade partner site walks, and developed comprehensive instructions for bidders to ensure all parties understood the scope and intricacies of the work. This proactive approach enabled the team to plan effectively, allowing both bidders and the project team to incorporate cost and schedule implications early on, resulting in a dependable and predictable budget and schedule.
Seamless Execution Coordination within an Active Hospital
Executing this work within an active hospital required an exceptional level of planning, coordination, and precision to ensure uninterrupted patient care. The DPR team sequenced activities in close collaboration with South Shore Hospital staff, maintaining safe access and minimizing disruption throughout the facility. One of the most visible demonstrations of this effort was the carefully orchestrated, off‑hours crane pick over the hospital’s main entrance to install the new exhaust fan. Proper planning and coordination resulted in a successful critical infrastructure upgrade with virtually no operational impact. From infection control measures spanning all six floors of the hospital to carefully timed shutdowns of high-traffic corridors, DPR consistently prioritized patient safety and critical hospital operations every step of the way.
DPR Construction is an outstanding performer, working inside a very busy South Shore Hospital without any complaints! They definitely have safety as their highest priority.
Walter Byrne, Senior Project Manager
South Shore Health
Dedicated Partners Commitment to Care
As a committed partner to South Shore Health, the DPR team embraced opportunities to deepen their connection to the hospital and broader community. During construction, South Shore Health hosted a dedicated Stop the Bleed® training for the DPR team—an interactive, hands-on session that equipped team members with essential emergency response skills. Directly tied to the lifesaving work of the Emergency Department and the value the West Expansion project will bring, the training reinforced DPR’s commitment to safety as a value on every jobsite while highlighting the additional level of care taken within active healthcare environments. The session strengthened DPR’s role as a dedicated partner to both South Shore Hospital and the broader South Shore community.
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