The original door worked past its lifespan
Millions of people have passed through the doors of the NIH Clinical Center's North Entrance. From patients and their loved-ones to dedicated staff (including Lasker and Nobel winners), world leaders and world-famous icons and athletes – the hospital has welcomed a wide assortment of visitors. Originally installed when the new wing of the hospital opened in 2004, the north lobby revolving door has undergone an upgrade.
The new door has a "slow down" mode to prevent injuries to people with mobility issues and a series of sensors that prevent the door from bumping into occupants. Upgrades to the two adjacent entrances are also being performed to improve accessibility.
The hospital's Office of Communications and Media Relations teamed with Facilities to put up temporary panels to cover the construction work. Largest among the panels was an image of Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, throwing out the first pitch at Major League Baseball's opening day in 2020.