Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), a pediatric healthcare system serving children and families in Southern California, recently expanded and relocated its inpatient pharmacy.

Due to increased patient volumes, changes in pharmacy regulations, and the dedicated storage and reporting spaces needed for clinical research trials, the existing inpatient pharmacy was relocated and redesigned within the hospital’s lower level. The new 11,050 sq. ft. space accommodates compounding, the clinical pharmacy, pharmacy administration, and future expansion. The extensive MEP scope included the design of a new and dedicated AHU-P and associated exhaust fans to serve the compounding area. Three entry points maintain safe and efficient operations, and the installation of a BoxPicker improves workflow and expedites services.

The greatest project challenge was determining the exhaust duct path to the roof of the main tower six stories above the lower level. The team strategically designed the path of travel through storage and ceiling areas to vent above the first-floor entry doors and up the side of the building. Perforated metal panels disguise the ductwork behind an eye-catching mosaic-inspired façade detail. This distinct accent in a range of CHOC brand colors complements decorative patchwork-style glass from an adjacent CHOC building to unify the campus aesthetic.