Innovative Casework & Furnishings for Healthcare

Founded in 1878, Ashland University is in the U.S. News & World Report top 200 colleges and universities. The university was looking for a state-of-the-art headwall solution for the Dwight Schar College of Nursing, a brand new $15.5 million development in Mansfield, Ohio.

State-of-the-art

The 46,000 square foot facility includes seven simulation labs complete with high-tech mannequins and patient labs within a realistic hospital setting that will allow the 750 students to experience and practice skills in a controlled environment.

The university required forward thinking headwall solutions that could meet the following requirements:

  • Able to integrate technology & adapt
  • Customizable
  • Cost-effective
  • Durable

It was vital that this leading university had an innovative headwall solution to complement the new facility. "To make their products, Futrus® researches best practices and product features and puts them into their designs," said Lisa Young, MSN RN CNS, Ashland's head nursing instructor.

Technology integration & adaptability

The adaptable design of the Futrus® Headwall Systems enabled the university to integrate two high-tech simulation mannequins, costing upwards of $60,000 each, directly into the headwalls. The university had specific requirements for how these teaching aids were to be connected. “We were looking for flexibility in the connections and rails as we wanted to provide a variety of examples to our students. Futrus® was very accommodating in this area,” said Patrick Ewing, Vice President, Facilities Management & Planning.

Futrus® Headwalls Systems feature modular, removable panels so the they can be easily adapted to incorporate new advances in technology. This enables healthcare facilities and universities, like Ashland, to remain at the very forefront of healthcare treatment and education without the expense of replacing an entire headwall system at a later date.

Customization

Futrus® customized key features of the headwall system with the architect, facility owner and head nursing instructor to incorporate specific medical gas outlet components, electrical and data services. This ability to customize the headwall design was a major determining factor for choosing Futrus®. “We were brought into the showroom to look at mock-ups of the headwalls. We could look at details, make changes, and customize where needed.”

The ability to choose from more than120 colors of Corian® solid surface offered many design options. The university chose Glacier White and incorporated their name and logo directly into the surface panel using dye sublimation. “Branding and brand recognition are essential marketing tools in higher education and the opportunity to bring that brand into the simulation labs has been invaluable,” said Patrick Ewing. "They are the crown jewels of our new Nursing Building.”

Cost-effective

For a teaching institution, cost-effectiveness weighed heavy in the decision to use Futrus® Headwalls. Advanced construction, modularity, optimal material utilization and ease of installation brought the Futrus® solution in on-budget and on-time. “Budget and schedule are critical components of any project. Both were met on this project,” said Patrick Ewing. To add to their cost effectiveness Futrus® headwalls arrived pre-assembled with gas, electrical and storage ready for installation.

Durable

Futrus® headwalls are made primarily with Corian® solid surface, which helps offer greater durability when compared to traditional materials like laminate or plastic, that are prone to chipping and peeling. Patrick Ewing explains, “In a simulation environment, the equipment is used over and over; often by those that are just learning how to use it, the long-term durability of this product is essential.”

VALUE ADDED BENEFITS OF FUTRUS- HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS

A safer patient environment

Futrus® Healthcare Solutions are designed to help healthcare staff reduce the spread of Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs). This is because Corian® solid surface is nonporous and when properly cleaned does not support the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria. “Today, there are changes in reimbursement. If an infection occurs while a patient is hospitalized, the cost of the infection will not be reimbursed [by insurance]. Decreasing this risk of HAIs will help improve patient outcomes and decrease the length of hospital stays. This will decrease hospital costs,” said Lisa Young.

Ease of cleaning

Thanks to Corian® solid surface, Futrus® Headwall Systems are visibly seamless in design making them easy to clean and easy to maintain. Stains and scratches can be buffed out to keep the surfaces looking and performing like new, to help ensure years of uncompromised performance. “Ease of cleaning will decrease work and time for not only the nursing professional, but also the housekeeping employees...saving money for the facility,” said Young.

Evidence-based design

Futrus® Headwalls have been developed using Evidenced-Based Design Practices. Leads, gas taps and other medical equipment are concealed from patient view in recessed sides and sliding panels on the headwalls to help create a more relaxing patient environment. “The location of equipment also enables students to learn to treat patients in a more ergonomic and efficient manner for usability and safety,” as Lisa Young further states.

Highlight

Ashland University Dwight Schar College of Nursing opened in September 2012. The high quality looks of Futrus® Headwalls helped to reinforce the premier image of the facility and they are a focus of most tours. “Already people come through and admire the Futrus® Headwalls. They look very professional and hide the air and vacuum meters. This keeps the room looking clean and well maintained. The building is state-of-the-art and the Futrus® Headwalls enhance the looks and functionality of the building,” said Young.

“Ashland University is proud of the state-of-the-art simulation facility that we have built to educate future generations of nurses. The innovative design and use of new materials in the Futrus® products helps fulfill that image,” states Patrick Ewing, Vice President, Facilities Management & Planning.

For more information

Please call 1.877.388.7871 or visit www.futrus.com to learn more about Futrus® Headwalls and other Futrus® Healthcare Solutions.

© 2013 Futrus, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. DuPont and Corian® are registered trademarks of DuPont and are used under license by Futrus LLC. Futrus® is a registered trademark of Futrus LLC.

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