Dubbed STAAT Mod, which is short for strategic, temporary, acuity-adaptable treatment modular units, the system aims to provide hospital-quality clinical care with ICU-level infection control and patient isolation.

“Maryland is proud that Fort Washington Medical Center is the first hospital in the country to receive this ICU-level of care unit,” Gov. Larry Hogan (R) said in a statement. “This newly constructed unit is another example of increasing hospital capacity for care of patients suffering from COVID-19 in Prince George’s County.”

The Maryland Dept. of General Services placed its order for the modules on April 8 and the first units were shipped from Boldt’s Wisconsin facility on April 22, according to Boldt. Once the final units arrived in early May, Boldt staff, working with 10 local subcontractors, created the 16-room critical care center from 12 preassembled modules. Crews also installed foundations and related infrastructure.

Cranes were required to place the modules, which each weighing about 25,000 pounds. Once in place, utilities, medical gas supply hook-ups, electrical, building ramps and roofing were completed. Crews were able to deliver the completed critical care center, which is located adjacent to the existing hospital, in about two weeks.

Although they can be used as a temporary solution, Boldt estimates that its STAAT Mods have a 10-year useful life.