In the fast-paced and demanding environment of healthcare, every detail of a facility’s design plays a critical role in supporting patient care and operational efficiency. Among these essential elements, Division 12 casework stands out as a versatile and vital component for creating organized, functional, and hygienic spaces. From patient rooms to laboratories, this specialized casework is tailored to meet the unique needs of healthcare settings, offering durable storage and workspace solutions that help improve workflows and facilitate cleanliness.
In this post, we will discuss and check off key planning considerations:
- Defining Division 12 Healthcare Equipment
- When Should Procurement of Division 12 Furniture Begin?
- Features to Look for in Quality Division 12 Casework
- Application of Division 12 Casework in Healthcare Facilities
Defining Division 12 Healthcare Equipment
Division 12 medical equipment encompasses the broad category of furnishings essential for healthcare facilities. This division includes everything from patient room furniture and laboratory casework to waiting area seating and examination room fittings.
The primary component of Division 12 healthcare equipment, however, is casework and consists of specialized built-in or modular furniture, including cabinets, drawers, and countertops, designed for use in healthcare environments. Unlike general cabinetry, Division 12 casework is engineered to withstand high-traffic usage, frequent cleaning with harsh chemicals, and exposure to potentially biohazardous materials, making it indispensable for hospitals and clinics.
When Should Procurement of Division 12 Medical Equipment Begin
The procurement of Division 12 medical equipment should be carefully timed to align with construction or renovation project milestones to ensure a seamless workflow and avoid costly delays.
Here are key phases to discuss and/or procure Division 12 medical equipment:
Project Planning and Design Phase:
- Early Identification: Identify and specify Division 12 equipment during the initial planning and design phase. This early identification facilitates proper budgeting, as well as ensuring that all casework is included in the project scope and identified in architectural drawings.
- Vendor Selection: Begin researching and selecting vendors early in the process. Establishing relationships with industry-leading distributors or manufacturers can prevent delays and ensure the availability of high-quality equipment.
Pre-Construction Phase:
- Detailed Specifications: Finalize detailed specifications and requirements for Division 12 furniture so all items meet the design criteria and the functional needs of the facility.
- Procurement Schedule: Develop a procurement schedule that aligns with the overall construction timeline. This schedule should include lead times for ordering, manufacturing, and delivery of equipment.
Construction Phase:
- Coordination and Communication: Open lines of communication between contractors and the project managers overseeing equipment orders is critical at this stage of the project. Communication will ensure the delivery of Division 12 furniture aligns with relevant construction milestones identified on the construction schedule.
Features to Look for in Quality Division 12 Casework
Evaluation of Division 12 casework for a healthcare facility, should consider features to help ensure functionality, durability, and compliance with medical standards.
Below are the key features to consider:
Durability and Materials
- High-Quality Materials: Look for materials such as stainless steel, laminate, or solid-surface countertops that are resistant to moisture, heat, and chemicals.
- High-Quality Drawers: Look for drawers constructed of stainless steel, plastic laminate, and cold rolled steel.
- Reinforced Construction: Cabinets and drawers should have reinforced joints and sturdy frames to withstand daily, repetitive wear and tear.
Hygiene and Cleanability
- Seamless Surfaces: Countertops with minimal seams reduce crevices where bacteria can accumulate, ensuring easy cleaning.
- Anti-Microbial Finishes: Some casework features anti-microbial coatings to prevent the spread of infections.
Functionality and Customization
- Adjustable Shelves: Cabinets with adjustable shelving offer flexibility for storing items of varying sizes.
- Soft-Close Drawers: Soft-close mechanisms reduce noise in high-stress environments which, by extension, can help improve patient experience.
- Modular Design: Modular casework is designed for reconfiguration that supports evolving facility needs.
Compliance with Healthcare Standards
- Certifications: Ensure the casework meets regulatory standards, such as those set by the Joint Commission.
- Fire and Chemical Resistance: Materials should comply with fire safety codes and withstand exposure to chemicals used in medical settings.
Aesthetic Integration
- Color and Design Options: Casework that blends with the overall design of the facility can contribute to a welcoming and calming environment.
- Ergonomic Considerations: Designs should prioritize staff comfort and efficiency during use.
Shop CME for Division 12 Casework
Common Locations For Division 12 Casework in Healthcare Facilities
Nurses' Stations
Nursing stations serve as central points for coordinating patient care, documenting medical records, and managing supplies, so the casework must be durable, ergonomic, and tailored to the specific needs of the space.
Operating Rooms
Casework in operating rooms is an essential component of the facility's design, ensuring that the space is efficient, organized, and compliant with strict hygiene standards.
Patient Rooms
By integrating practical storage, ergonomic workspaces, and patient-friendly designs, casework in patient rooms helps create a functional and comfortable environment that supports patient care, staff efficiency, and fosters the positive patient experiences so important to recovery.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies rely on well-designed casework to create a functional workspace that supports the preparation, dispensing, and management of prescriptions. By providing organized storage, ergonomic workspaces, and compliance with healthcare standards, pharmacy casework facilitates workflow efficiency, helps reduce errors, and creates a safe and functional environment.
Laboratories
Casework in laboratories plays a critical role in ensuring that these highly specialized environments are functional, organized, and safe for conducting experiments, research, and testing. Laboratory casework is designed to meet specific scientific and operational needs, combining durability, flexibility, and compliance with industry standards.
Reception and Waiting Areas
Casework in reception areas may incorporate reception desks/cubicles with shelving and drawers for storage, built in seating for patients, media centers for displaying media screens, or partitions for privacy during check-in or consultation. By incorporating some or all of these features, casework helps ensure that reception and waiting areas are functional, efficient, and welcoming.
Break Rooms
In break rooms casework helps create a functional, organized, and comfortable space for healthcare staff to rest and recharge. The casework in kitchenette and dining areas is used for food item related storage and preparation, seating and meals, and appliance integration. Elsewhere in the breakroom, casework may be used for storage of personal items.
Regardless of how casework is used in healthcare facilities, identifying Division 12 equipment early in the project planning process is part of the foundation for a seamless construction project. Choosing the right partner to procure Division 12 casework can ensure the equipment is on site when it is needed, avoiding costly delays in the construction schedule.
Partnering with CME Corp. for Division 12 Medical Equipment
CME specializes in helping general contractors procure contractor furnished Division 12 equipment included in construction bids and associated awards. We are uniquely positioned as the only healthcare equipment distributor, nationally, able to support the entire equipment procurement process with a team of Project Managers (PM), regardless of whether the owner or contractor is directly purchasing the equipment. From purchase order to invoicing, your CME PM is the single point of contact for everything related to your project.
CME project managers consolidate purchase orders to help contain hidden costs and prevent scheduling issues associated with multiple orders. Additionally, our PMs track orders to ensure all items have been purchased and delivered to our warehouses for storage until delivery to the construction site.
Our Direct-To-Site service teams receive, inspect, assemble (if needed), and deliver equipment as scheduled based on the timeline established by the construction project manager. If during the inspection at our warehouse damaged or defective in any way are identified, we will work with the manufacturer to secure a timely replacement.
Click CHAT to begin a conversation with a CME expert about how we can support your Division 12 equipment needs.
About CME: CME Corp is the nation’s premier source for healthcare equipment, turnkey logistics, and biomedical services, representing 2 million+ products from more than 2,000 manufacturers. With two corporate offices and 35+ service centers, our mission is to help healthcare facilities nationwide reduce the cost of the equipment they purchase, make their equipment specification, delivery, installation, and maintenance processes more efficient, and help them seamlessly launch, renovate and expand on schedule.
