Cancer Treatment & Ambulatory Surgery Centers

UK HealthCare is charting a new path for sustainability and smart technology with the development of a 560,000 SF comprehensive cancer care and ambulatory surgery facility on its existing campus. This state-of-the-art facility will include inpatient and outpatient infusion spaces, operating rooms, procedure rooms, inpatient imaging services, outpatient clinics, research laboratories, multiple pharmacies, and dedicated support spaces. Additionally, the project features a 2,085-vehicle parking structure and loading dock. The project also involves significant campus-wide infrastructure improvements, including the expansion and looping of thermal and electrical utilities, relocation of high-voltage transmission lines, and roadway redevelopment. 

CMTA is leading MEP, medical gas, technology, and utility infrastructure design—partnering with the University to pursue innovative energy solutions like high-efficiency hot water boilers and heat recovery chillers. With a focus on sustainability, operational efficiency, and long-term flexibility, this project marks a critical step in transforming cancer care for central and eastern Kentucky. 

Significant upgrades to the existing utility infrastructure are essential to support the new facility and establish a utility loop that ensures critical redundancy for the main hospital. These enhancements include 36-inch chilled water lines, 20-inch steam lines, and high-pressure condensate systems, delivering robust thermal and electrical reliability and creating a resilient foundation for future operations. 

The project also involves relocating Kentucky Utilities’ (KU) high-voltage power transmission lines, which serves much of South Lexington, as well as the campus power distribution system. Early and proactive collaboration between the design team, KU’s engineering team, and UK’s Infrastructure team has been critical in preventing delays during early bid site phase. By prioritizing strategic utility coordination and tunnel design, the team is ensuring long-term flexibility to accommodate future campus growth while setting a new standard for sustainable healthcare infrastructure. 

As part of a university teaching hospital and Level 1 trauma center, this project incorporates a wide range of advanced technologies. These include digital signage, self-service registration systems, wayfinding and digital presence systems, real-time location systems, safety and security systems, smart patient room technologies, materials management tracking, visitor management systems, clinical IS integrations, voice charting systems, room scheduling systems, smart building systems, parking management, and patient and visitor amenities. Comprehensive Wi-Fi coverage ensures seamless connectivity across the expanded campus. 

CMTA served as a key integrator, coordinating across clinical operations, informatics, and IT services to embed technology and security infrastructure into the building design from the outset. This included precise planning of device locations, conduit routing, equipment room adjacency, and system interoperability to ensure seamless integration. 

By aligning clinical needs with IT and engineering requirements, CMTA designed systems that are highly available, scalable, and compliant with healthcare IT standards. The infrastructure was thoughtfully engineered to support future growth and emerging technologies, ensuring the facility can adapt to evolving healthcare demands. This proactive approach delivers a secure, flexible environment that meets the operational complexity of a modern academic medical center. 

This transformative project represents a bold step forward in sustainable healthcare infrastructure and smart technology integration. By combining cutting-edge clinical spaces with advanced technology systems, UK HealthCare is creating a facility that not only meets the demands of today but is also prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. The thoughtful design of scalable, secure, and interoperable technology ensures seamless operations, enhances patient care, and supports clinical excellence. 

CMTA’s Technology Scope of Services: 

Information Transport Systems (ITS): 

• Structured cabling systems (copper and fiber) for inside and outside plant 
• Layout and design of telecommunications Room (TR) and Equipment Room (ER) 
• Backbone and horizontal cabling infrastructure to support voice, data, and video services 
• Wireless Access Point (WAP) placement and coverage modeling for seamless connectivity 
• Emergency communication systems and telephony integration 

Clinical and Operational Technologies: 

• Real-Time Locating Systems (RTLS) for efficient asset and staff tracking 
• Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) to ensure comprehensive RF coverage 
• Integration of nurse call, paging, and patient infotainment television systems 
• PACS integration and infrastructure for seamless imaging transport

Electronic Safety and Security Systems (ESS): 

• Campus-wide IP-based Video Management System (VMS) for comprehensive surveillance coverage
• Access Control System (ACS) with electronic door hardware and credentialing capabilities 
• Centralized monitoring through Security Management System (SMS) integration 
• Deployment of emergency call stations and duress systems 
• Development of campus-specific electronic safety and security system standards for the project 

Every aspect of the facility—from the layout of clinical spaces to the integration of smart technologies—has been designed to improve comfort, reduce stress, and streamline care. Features such as real-time location systems, intuitive wayfinding, and smart patient room technologies create a more responsive and personalized experience for patients and families. 

This ambitious project not only reinforces UK HealthCare’s commitment to patient-centered care but also sets a new benchmark for sustainable, technology-forward healthcare environments. By seamlessly integrating high-performance building systems with innovative clinical technologies, the new cancer center is designed to adapt to evolving medical needs while ensuring operational excellence. Combined with its sustainable infrastructure and long-term flexibility, the new cancer center reflects a deep commitment to community health, access, and the future of compassionate care.

CMTA’s collaborative, forward-thinking approach has helped deliver a resilient, future-ready facility that empowers clinicians, enhances the patient experience, and positions UK HealthCare at the forefront of next-generation academic medical campuses.