News & Insights
REPORT: Tackling healthcare’s toughest facility challenges
Salas O'Brien's latest report addresses the top 5 challenges facing hospitals today.
Healthcare leaders face mounting pressure to navigate facility challenges that impact patient care, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability. Salas O’Brien’s latest report delivers actionable insights and practical strategies to help you create safer, more efficient, and patient-centered spaces.
Inside the report:
- Infection control (p.4) – How MEP systems influence the spread of infectious diseases
- Energy solutions (p.8) – Meeting sustainability goals within tight capital budgets, including the role of microgrids (p.10) and geo-exchange (p.14)
- Aging facilities (p.12) – Strategies to modernize and extend the life of existing buildings
- Workplace safety (p.16) – Security solutions to protect healthcare workers
- Noise control (p.20) – Leveraging acoustics to improve healing environments and improve patient surveys
Phillip Barbe, PE
Phillip Barbe is a second-generation engineer who enjoys being of service to clients, adding clarity and certainty to complex issues, and providing innovative and resilient solutions to meet client goals. Phillip serves as a Principal at Salas O’Brien. Contact him at [email protected].
Duc Bui, PE
Duc Bui is an expert in the electrification of healthcare facilities. A leading provider of electrical engineering solutions and an innovator in using low voltage DC power for LED lighting , he holds a US Patent on Direct Current Power Delivery System. Duc specializes in healthcare facilities and pharmaceutical facilities with a strong presence in California serving large corporations such as Kaiser Permanente, Abbott Vascular, Tenet, University of California Irvine, and the University of Southern California. Duc serves as a Principal for Salas O’Brien. Contact him at [email protected].
Steve Carroll, MBA, CxA, LEED AP
As a Commissioning Authority, Steve Carroll identifies potential issues before they become problems and increases value for his clients. He also specializes in cybersecurity for building systems, providing systems monitoring to keep alternate attack vectors secure. As a leader, Steve is focused on mentoring, coaching, and developing his team to achieve continuous improvement. He holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. Steve serves as a Managing Principal at Salas O’Brien. Contact him at [email protected].
Eric Covell, RCDD
Eric Covell is an expert in the design and implementation of engineered communications and information technology systems with over 30 years of experience. These systems include voice and data infrastructure, outside plant, network design, RF distribution, telephony, paging/intercom, and wireless as well as public safety and security systems such as access control, closed-circuit television, and intrusion detection. Eric serves as a Principal at Salas O’Brien. Contact him at [email protected] .
Jon Grant, PE, CM-Lean
Jon Grant is adept at building strategic teams. A future-forward thinker, Jon takes a people-first approach in both his management style and client work believing that the value is in the relationships that drive the work. Clients trust Jon to help them navigate decisions with high stakes making him a leader in healthcare, commercial, and cultural projects. He has a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago and serves as a Principal at Salas O’Brien. Contact him at [email protected].
John Hauge, PE
John Hauge is deeply experienced in leading building mechanical and plumbing system design and analysis for healthcare facilities. His passion for high-quality work sharpens his focus on the right planning, communication, and processes. John has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from California Polytechnic State University. He serves as a Principal for Salas O’Brien. Contact him at [email protected].
Nick Heywood, PMP, CPD
Nick Heywood specializes in a range of low-voltage systems including security electronics, tele-data, fire alarm, and audio-visual systems, with a focus on threat and vulnerability assessments, security master planning, and Division 28 standards. Nick collaborates with the team to offer comprehensive MEP and low-voltage solutions for sectors such as healthcare, education, corporate, and critical infrastructure. Nick serves as an Associate Vice President at Salas O’Brien. Contact him at [email protected].
Alex Hornecker, INCE Bd Cert.
Alex Hornecker is an acoustic consultant who specializes in isolating vibration and noise control issues. Alex is skilled in computer modeling, testing and evaluation. Alex joined the team in 2019 with a large portfolio of solving acoustic issues in the built environment. Alex serves projects in all markets including healthcare, mixed-use, residential, workplace, and education. Alex serves as an Associate Vice President at Salas O’Brien. Contact him at [email protected].
Clifton Long, PE
Clifton Long is a prominent mechanical engineer specializing in hospital design across the United States. As a recognized subject matter expert, Cliff excels in the design of HVAC systems, central energy plants, mechanical rooms, piping systems, instrumentation and controls, and energy management solutions. With extensive experience in project scheduling, cost control, and sustainable design, he has successfully collaborated with owners and contractors on projects delivered through a variety of methods. Cliff serves as a Principal at Salas O’Brien. Contact him at [email protected].
Marianna Palmour, WELL AP, LEED AP, ActiveScore AP, GRESB AP
Marianna Palmour is a leader in the field of ESG consulting. With her unwavering commitment to sustainability and profitability, she revolutionizes the way businesses approach their operations. By leveraging data-driven insights and scientific methodologies, Marianna empowers clients to harmonize their environmental and social responsibilities with their financial success. Marianna serves as a Vice President at Salas O’Brien. Contact her at [email protected].
Andrew Pratt, P.Eng, LEED AP
Andrew Pratt has over 35 years of experience in designing mechanical systems and is responsible for quality control, BIM Development, and resource allocation for a large team of mechanical engineers serving healthcare, performance and sports venues, pharmaceuticals, and education clients in Canada. Andrew serves as a Principal at Salas O’Brien. Contact him at [email protected].
Courtney Schoedel, M.Arch, M.Sc, INCE Bd Cert, LEED AP
Courtney Schoedel is a skilled acoustic consultant able to develop solutions rapidly in a collaborative environment. With extensive expertise in the field of sound isolation and noise/vibration control, Courtney contributes to the academic community by delivering lectures at the University of Texas at Arlington and is active Committee member and former Board Member of the Institute of Noise Control Engineering. Courtney holds a Master of Architecture and Master of Science in Building Sciences Architectural Acoustics from RPI. She serves as a Vice President at Salas O’Brien. Contact her at [email protected].
Eric Scholten
Eric Scholten is a project manager with 31 years of national and global project management, service, and installation expertise in the security industry with 21 years of project management, design, engineering, and client executive experience and 10 years of integrator security system installation experience. His project management talents include system assessments, master planning, design, engineering, AHJ document submission, bid reviews, construction administration, commissioning, and development and startup of international systems and special projects for a wide range of clients. Eric serves as a Vice President at Salas O’Brien. Contact him at [email protected].
Khaja Syed, P.Eng, MSc
Khaja Syed is known for his leadership and project management skills across multi-national projects. His experience includes significant roles in designing and managing complex electrical systems for hospitals and pharmaceutical, educational, governmental, and industrial facilities. Khaja serves as a Principal at Salas O’Brien. Contact him at [email protected] .
Duane Waite
Duane Waite with his 37 years of experience in managing electrical engineering teams combines a hands-on approach with an eye for detail that inspires his team to consistently produce quality work. His commitment to continuing education, mentorship teamed with reliable, efficient communications and information tracking systems has proven greatly advantageous on complex projects like hospitals and pharmaceutical, educational, governmental, and industrial facilities . Duane serves as a Principal at Salas O’Brien and Head of the Electrical Department in Canada. Contact him at [email protected] .
Nancy Byrd, CTS
With 25 years in the AEC industry, Nancy Byrd is passionate about helping clients identify and acquire the right services to meet their needs. Having held a certified technology specialist (CTS) certification for over 18 years, she has seen many changes in the building technology industry. Never backing away from a challenge, Nancy has a proven track record of finding, winning, and retaining high-value clients. She is known in the industry for building lasting relationships. Nancy serves as an Associate Vice President at Salas O’Brien.