Mervyn Simon – CHOC

The design and functionality of healthcare facilities are crucial, particularly in a children’s hospital, where the experience can significantly impact patients and their families. A well-designed facility can play a key role in alleviating these emotions by creating an environment that feels safe, welcoming, and less intimidating.

The physical environment can provide comfort. Bright, vibrant spaces with child-friendly artwork, interactive areas, and natural light can help distract young patients from their worries. By creating a sense of normalcy and fun, the hospital becomes less of a sterile, scary place and more of a space where children can feel at ease. Playrooms, waiting areas with engaging activities, and colorful designs are especially important in diverting attention from medical procedures and helping to reduce stress.

The layout of the facility also impacts how families navigate the hospital. A well-thought-out design that minimizes the distance between departments or allows for easy wayfinding can significantly reduce the confusion and frustration that often comes with hospital visits. Clear signage, wide hallways, and spacious waiting areas can help make the experience smoother for patients and family members.

It seems simple, yet ensuring a facility meets the needs of patients, families, medical staff, and employees can be challenging, says Mervyn Simon, executive director of facilities management & support services at CHOC Hospital in Orange, California.

“There are many challenges operating an acute care pediatric hospital in California,” Simon tells Blueprint magazine during an interview in July. “It’s a highly regulated industry that ensures patient safety and quality of care.”

The challenges are vast, but so are the rewards and the pride Simon feels when seeing the fruits of his efforts.

“I love making sure the environment where we provide patient care is safe and that everything is operating as it needs to,” he says.

A clean environment

A key aspect of Simon’s role is maintaining the hospital’s infrastructure, managing support services and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. Simon and his team manage all cleaning and sanitation efforts to keep the hospital germ-free, manage waste, and ensure the entire facility remains spotless.

In addition to these tasks, Simon’s team handles all maintenance-related issues, whether it involves plumbing repairs, ensuring the HVAC system operates correctly, or maintaining medical equipment in top condition. The team of 384 plays a crucial role in helping ensure the hospital’s smooth operations.

One of the key vendors Simon relies on is Water Saver Solutions Inc., which has helped Simon and his team reduce water usage in crucial areas on the hospital’s campus. Simon says the success of sustainable water management practices is evident in the tangible reduction of water usage and preservation of water quality.

“CHOC is not only a vital community resource but a beacon of dedication to the well-being of children. Their unwavering commitment to sustainable water conservation practices is truly impressive. Additionally, their significant investment in capital projects to replace equipment showcases their proactive approach to ensuring the highest care and efficiency standards. We are proud to recognize CHOC as a healthcare and water conservation leader,” says Water Saver Solutions Inc. founder and CEO Charles Bragdon.

“We also are charged with maintaining the patient rooms and keeping waiting areas comfortable and user-friendly,” Simon explains. “That is a big part of someone having a more pleasant hospital experience.”

In a hospital, there is never a way to predict the different situations that may arise daily, but Simon says his team works hard to stay prepared, thanks to plans for emergency management. They work closely with other hospital departments to maintain a seamless operation, prioritizing the hospital’s safety and efficiency.

Projects aplenty

Simon is currently working on several significant projects at CHOC, focused on expansion, including a nine-story ambulatory care tower set to open next year. This important project requires careful planning and execution. Simon is helping oversee the integration of the new tower into CHOC’s existing operations.

Simon is deeply involved in ensuring that the new tower meets the high standards of care CHOC is known for and aligns with the hospital’s broader goals of safety, efficiency and sustainability.

As part of the preparation for the new tower, Simon is also involved in staff training and development, ensuring that all employees are properly trained to use new equipment and systems and are familiar with the layout and operational procedures of the tower.

Professional evolution

Simon’s career journey has blended personal interests and professional growth, driven by his deep passion for operations and problem-solving. His interest in construction and facilities management didn’t stem from a lifelong plan but evolved naturally through his experiences. Simon has always been drawn to roles that involve understanding and optimizing systems and processes, which led him to find his niche in facilities and support services. His exposure to healthcare settings, particularly how a well-maintained facility can significantly impact patient care, further solidified his focus.

As Simon advanced, he became increasingly interested in leadership roles. Although management and leading a team was not part of his original career plan, the opportunity to lead, influence day-to-day operations and make a long-term impact became a natural progression.

“My leadership aspirations were fueled by the desire to contribute to environments that directly affect people’s well-being, especially in a healthcare context,” Simon recalls.

However, Simon’s career has not been without its challenges. One of the most significant hurdles he has faced is managing change effectively, particularly in the rapidly evolving landscape of facilities management and healthcare. The need to stay current with new technologies, integrate them into existing systems and manage unexpected issues are just a few of the challenges Simon has navigated. Resource constraints, regulatory compliance and workforce management also present ongoing challenges that require careful balancing and innovative problem-solving.

Despite these obstacles, Simon views them as opportunities for growth.

“Each challenge has strengthened my skills in strategic thinking, problem-solving and leadership,” Simon says. “I think I’ve become more effective in my roles because of the hurdles I’ve overcome.”