Infrastructure Improvement in oldest wing of RMH

Publication date: July 26, 2011

There’s a sense of pride that comes with making repairs that renders a well-used item function like new again. However, there comes a time when the item you’ve maintained and repaired over the years has reached the end of its useful life and further repairs are a waste of resources. It’s time to replace the item.

Such is the case at the Ross Memorial Hospital, where the mechanical systems in the oldest parts of the hospital are beyond repairing and require replacement. These systems, including heating, electrical, plumbing and ventilation, were state of the art when they were installed around 1960. And although they’ve worked well for more than 50 years, they’ve not only reached the end of their useful life, they’ve exceeded it. 

While annual infrastructure funding is provided for ongoing building system upgrades, these funds amount to approximately $200,000 per year and are not sufficient to address a major building system retrofit. This infrastructure upgrade will cost close to $10 million.

The project involves four major components:
* the replacement of the air handling unit supporting the OR
* the replacement of the air handling unit supporting the central processing department where surgical and medical tools are sterilized
* the replacement of all air handling units in the east wing
* mechanical, electrical and life safety upgrades in the east wing to meet current building and fire safety codes (replacing supply and return ductwork, upgrading heating systems, replacing/removing plumbing lines, installing sprinkler lines, replacing lighting breaker panels, installing new annunciation devices, replacing metal ceiling system, upgrading windows)

On July 13th, Deb Matthews, Minister of Health, visited the Ross to announce $9.1 million in provincial funding for this infrastructure project. 

Karissa Ward, Vice Chair of the RMH Board of Governors, thanked the Ministry on behalf of the hospital. “We’re very appreciative that the Ministry of Health recognizes the importance of infrastructure projects such as ours, and more than that, that it recognizes that the cost of such projects is beyond the means of the hospital to fund without assistance.” 

Brian Payne, President and CEO of RMH, explained the importance of this project.

"Compared to new hospitals and new treatments and diagnostic tools, infrastructure upgrades don’t necessarily inspire a great deal of excitement, but they are necessary. Without reliable, stringently controlled air exchanges, our operating rooms could not function, and our east wing would be rendered unusable. That means no food services, no obstetrics, no nuclear medicine, no community counseling.”

“Infrastructure investments are vitally important,” said Payne. “Without them, we simply cannot provide the care and services that we are known for.”

Planning will begin immediately with the preparation of tender documents. The anticipated project completion date is April 2013. With good care, these new systems will serve the community for years to come.