Case Study: John Hopkins Suburban Hospital - Patient Tower Relocation During COVID-19
Time & Location:
- Bethesda, MD
- March 2020
Project Overview:
In March 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic began to escalate, Hoffberger Moving Systems (HMS) successfully executed the time-critical relocation of Johns Hopkins Suburban Hospital into a newly constructed patient tower located directly adjacent to the existing facility. Despite the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic, HMS ensured a safe, efficient, and uninterrupted transition of sterile storage, patient care areas, and critical clinical equipment.
Scope of Work:
- Full relocation of sterile storage units, inpatient care areas, and clinical equipment
- Six consecutive days of on-site relocation followed by post-move removal of excess materials
- Coordinated access through elevators, tunnels, and multiple building levels
- Clean suit protocols followed for sterile storage transfer
- Use of connecting corridors and underground routes to minimize public and patient disruption
Execution & Strategy:
Given the healthcare environment and rising COVID-19 concerns, this relocation required heightened sensitivity to infection control, scheduling, and coordination. HMS deployed a 25-person move team daily, with operations split between three specialized functions: inpatient support, sterile storage relocation, and clinical equipment transport.
To maintain quality and safety, HMS operated with a 3-to-1 mover-to-supervisor ratio, ensuring close oversight of every process. The project was led entirely by HMS’s core personnel, all of whom have deep experience in hospital and healthcare moves and were well-versed in Suburban Hospital’s protocols and expectations.
Outcome:
Despite the complexities introduced by a global health crisis, HMS completed the relocation on schedule, with zero disruptions to patient care. The project’s success further solidified HMS’s role as a trusted relocation partner within the Johns Hopkins Health System, particularly for high-stakes healthcare transitions requiring logistical precision and infection-control expertise.