| Location | Farmington, CT |
| Owner | University of Connecticut Health Center |
| Industry | Healthcare |
| General Contractor | Nosal Builders |
| Completion Date | February 2025 |
| Services | Electrical Contracting |
Project Background
The New England Sickle Cell Institute (NESCI) at UConn Health is one of the leading centers in the region dedicated to the comprehensive care of patients with Sickle Cell Disease and other bleeding disorders. The institute provides specialized treatment, infusion therapies, and research-driven care for individuals living with these conditions.
To enhance its patient-centered approach, NESCI underwent a 10,000-square-foot renovation on the 4th floor of UConn Health, creating a modernized space that includes 11 blood infusion rooms, 6 exam rooms, a conference room, a café, and support spaces. A central infusion waiting area with a circular floorplate and architectural lighting serves as the focal point of the new design.
C&H Electric worked closely with Nosal Builders to install advanced electrical and lighting systems that align with NESCI’s mission of providing exceptional care in a comfortable and calming environment.
The Challenges
- Installing large recessed circular architectural lighting while maintaining alignment with the acoustical ceiling design.
- Integrating ornamental pendant lighting to create a soothing, patient-friendly environment while meeting technical electrical specifications.
- Upgrading electrical distribution panels to support critical, life safety, and normal branch circuits for the infusion rooms.
- Coordinating electrical work in an occupied hospital setting, requiring weekly planning meetings with hospital staff to minimize disruptions.
The Solution
- Tightly coordinated efforts with ceiling contractors to ensure precise integration of architectural lighting.
- Executed seamless installation of pendant lighting to enhance patient comfort while maintaining energy efficiency.
- Implemented new electrical distribution panels, ensuring reliable power for critical medical equipment.
- Maintained close collaboration with UConn Health staff, ensuring minimal impact on hospital operations during construction.
The Results
- Enhanced Patient Comfort: Thoughtfully designed lighting features contribute to a welcoming, stress-free environment.
- Reliable Power Systems: New electrical infrastructure ensures uninterrupted operation of critical medical equipment.
- Seamless Construction Execution: Weekly coordination meetings minimized disruptions, allowing hospital services to continue uninterrupted.
- State-of-the-Art Infusion Center: Modernized patient spaces that support UConn Health’s commitment to specialized sickle cell treatment.
