How Advancements in Medical Technology are Powering the Future of Healthcare Construction

By Luiza Mills

The landscape of healthcare is constantly changing, driven by advancements in medical technology and a deepening understanding of patient well-being. As hospitals, urgent care clinics and medical facilities evolve to meet these needs, a critical, and often unseen, transformation is underway: the dramatic increase in the need for electrical power and infrastructure support. The future of healing and proactive wellness is increasingly reliant on an upgraded electrical infrastructure.

The biggest driver of this trend lies in the growing sophistication and power demands of modern medical equipment and advances in technological resources and tools. Today’s diagnostic imaging tools, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scanners, are significantly more powerful – and more energy-intensive – than their predecessors. These machines require substantial and stable electrical supplies to function effectively, which translates directly to the need for higher power levels within healthcare facilities.

This demand is particularly evident in older hospitals, which were often constructed with electrical systems designed in a less technologically advanced era and in areas that may now be at capacity. As these facilities seek to incorporate the latest medical technologies, they frequently encounter the limitations of their existing power infrastructure. The crucial first step for an electrical contractor is to conduct a power analysis. This ensures the existing grid can accommodate the increased load, especially the emergency backup systems. Infrastructure updates are a key part of this work, including the installation of new transformers, switchgear, and distribution panels to boost overall electrical capacity.

Beyond typical healthcare facility operations, making sure the power capacity is sufficient for emergency preparedness, like power outages, is key. Reliable backup power is non-negotiable in healthcare settings, where even brief interruptions can have severe consequences for patient care. As the power demands of essential medical equipment rise, so too must the capacity of emergency generators and other backup systems.

Looking ahead, this trend of increasing power demand in healthcare will intensify. Future hospital construction will prioritize scalable electrical infrastructure from the initial design phase, anticipating the advancing nature of medical technology. Electrical systems will become increasingly complex, integrating smart grid technologies, microgrids for enhanced resilience, and potentially even on-site renewable energy sources like solar canopies.

Electrical contractors will continue to play an indispensable role in this evolving landscape. Their expertise in power analysis, infrastructure upgrades, and ensuring the reliability and safety of complex electrical systems, combined with seamless collaboration with architects, engineers, facility managers, and hospital administrators, will be essential to integrate these vital electrical networks.

Luiza Mills is senior vice president at Interstate Electrical Services Corporation.