The project is part of the overall goal of renovating Ben Taub’s Level 1 Trauma Center Operating Rooms. Johnston was the designer for the addition of seven new operating rooms, including two hybrid rooms and a new Post-Anesthesia Care Unit.

Phase I of Johnston’s ongoing Level 1 Trauma Center OR Upgrade project included the relocation and expansion of the current Blood Bank, where staff prepare and store donated blood for patients. The previous area was too small to service the existing ORs, causing delays in transferring the blood to the patients. Ben Taub stakeholders, collaborating with Johnston, relocated the Blood Bank adjacent to the new surgical suite, directly across from the main elevator bank. This location facilitated the staff to efficiently distribute blood supplies to departments located on other levels of the hospital. The new Blood Bank was also expanded to approximately 3,800 square feet, providing more space for staff and equipment.