Building in the healthcare sector is a discipline of its own. One that we gladly and frequently practice, guided by the DNA of Stevens Van Dijck. But what exactly is our approach when it comes to healthcare projects? A conversation with project manager Tjessy Lensvelt about the collaboration with Nij Smellinghe Hospital in Drachten.
Since last year, you have been involved as a project manager from Stevens Van Dijck in various construction projects at Nij Smellinghe. What does your work entail?
“Together with my colleague Hillebrand Hartholt, I supervise new construction and renovation projects within the hospital. Construction projects in a hospital environment are often complex, because medical functions generally require advanced layouts and installations, involve many stakeholders, and must comply with legal, regulatory, and operational requirements. Ultimately, for every question that arises, we either ask for or make a decision based on one key thought: what is best for the hospital?
In renovation projects, the relevant department often remains operational during the work. Creating phases and temporary facilities is a fun challenge that comes with this.”
Is it interesting to work on these kinds of construction and renovation projects?
“Absolutely. It’s precisely the diversity of issues in these projects that makes them so challenging. You’re dealing with many high‑stake interests. And meanwhile, healthcare continues uninterrupted. It’s rewarding that we can contribute with our knowledge and experience. It’s also gratifying to see that, after completion, high‑quality care can be delivered in the improved space. That is ultimately the goal.”
So you are also working in areas of the hospital that remain operational?
“That’s right. At the moment, work on the hospital’s Gastroenterology (MDL) Lab Department is in full swing. The department is located along a corridor used daily by staff and for patient transport. That can be tricky: construction generates dust, and materials must be moved in and out. A construction site isn’t sterile, so we need to create alternative routes for patients and other traffic. In these situations, we consult with all stakeholders and look together for solutions in the phasing or temporary arrangements. These are practical considerations, but at the same time project management remains very much people work—especially in a hospital environment.”
You’ll need to explain that. What makes it “people work”?
“There are many different stakeholders involved in such a project. Take the move from the old to the new lab, for example. That relocation is organized in close coordination with the hospital department and with the construction partners, who actively think along. A construction project where the department remains in operation often comes with some disruption for the users. But by discussing together how to make the process as smooth and efficient as possible, we always arrive at the best possible solution.”
How do you ensure everyone is aligned?
“By continuously talking, calling, asking questions. For the MDL lab, we fulfill the role of project manager and site supervisor. We work in a construction‑team setup, meaning the contractor is involved in the design phase. From Stevens Van Dijck, we lead the construction team and ensure the process runs smoothly. We push for everyone to take responsibility instead of waiting for someone else to act. You need one another.”
These are your first experiences working on healthcare construction projects. What are you learning?
“What I’m learning most is that collaboration within the construction team—and between the construction team and the hospital—is crucial to safeguarding project progress. Human interaction plays a significant role: you talk to each other, you see that the other person doesn’t always have an immediate solution either, and precisely through that, you figure things out together—each from their own expertise.
I’m learning from the senior site supervisor how important it is to keep asking in‑depth questions, especially when it involves complex technical matters. Often, that leads to clarity on the best solution or approach. This ensures the right people are at the table and can make the right decisions together.”
How do you look back on your first experiences in healthcare?
“With our expertise as project managers and site supervisors—through process control, but also through substantive knowledge—we at Stevens Van Dijck meaningfully contribute to hospital projects. That’s not nothing. My work has changed the way I look at hospitals. So much happens here every day. No day is the same; that keeps it challenging and interesting.”
