Case Study: Moving Healthcare Forward – Armstrong’s Strategic Relocation of Cooper Green Mercy Health
Overview
- Customer: Cooper Green Mercy Health Services
- Industry: Healthcare/medical clinics
- Scope: Full-scale medical facility relocation
- Resources: UAB Ribbon Cutting & Cooper Green New Building
Introduction
Cooper Green Mercy Health Services, an affiliate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham Health System, faced a critical need to relocate its aging facility into a newly designed space. Partnered with Jefferson County and UAB Health System, Cooper Green designed its own five-story, 211,000-square-foot, full-service ambulatory care facility in downtown Birmingham, AL. With this building project on the horizon, the facility team reached out to Armstrong’s Jim Haberstroh to learn more about the relocation process. When it was time for the Cooper Green team to relocate the medical facility, they knew it required a moving partner with healthcare expertise and experienced project managers to maintain chain of custody, clinic efficiencies and keep ahead of schedule deadlines. They called upon The Armstrong Company for a smooth and efficient relocation experience.
Challenge
Cooper Green needed a moving partner that could handle the following challenges:
- Complex move management: Relocation of six floors, including clinical and administrative space
- Sensitive medical equipment: Specialized handling for delicate medical equipment including clinic machines, radiology equipment and pharmacy items
- Tight deadlines: 10-day timeframe in accordance with budget
- Stakeholder coordination: Fully operational clinics for patient care until noon, requiring strategic timing for each department
- Pharmacy relocation: Securely packed and transported medications in accordance with strict compliance protocols
Solution
Armstrong implemented a tailored relocation strategy to ensure efficiency and minimal disruption. A year and a half before the move, Armstrong collaborated with Cooper Green to assess the full project scope, identify key assets and develop a detailed plan.
Specialized Services
- Medical equipment handling: Custom packing solutions safeguarded clinic machines and specialty testing equipment using moving blankets, dollies, boxes and machine carts
- Pharmacy relocation: Secure bins and serialized zip ties maintained the chain of custody for medications, which were transported under pharmacy supervision
- Streamlined labeling: Color-coded labels and numbers streamlined item tracking and placement
Execution & Timeline
Armstrong’s team meticulously executed the relocation plan, working in alignment with clinic schedules to avoid patient disruptions. Due to precise labeling and efficient project management, they completed the relocation three days ahead of schedule. In total, Armstrong relocated six floors of clinical and administrative space into the new building, including: an urgent care center; pharmacy, radiology, and oncology departments; primary care clinics; and enrollment and administrative offices.
Results & Impact
- Early project completion: Effective planning and execution enabled the project to be completed in just seven days vs. 10 days as originally planned
- Minimized downtime: Clinics remained open until noon, ensuring minimal patient care disruption
- Secure medical equipment transport: Specialized packing and moving techniques protected valuable medical assets
Why Choose Armstrong for a Healthcare Relocation?
With decades of experience in healthcare relocations, Armstrong delivers expertise, reliability and a customized approach to every move. From medical equipment to pharmaceuticals, our team ensures a smooth, secure and efficient transition.
Looking for a trusted partner for your healthcare relocation? Learn how Armstrong can help your team by calling 800.288.7396 or requesting a free quote online today.
