ABOYNE – Groves Memorial Community Hospital (GMCH) and Foundation board members came together recently to view progress on the new hospital.
“The new Groves hospital is on track for substantial completion in November 2019,” said Ian Hornsby, GMCH board chair.
“It is remarkable what has been accomplished since breaking ground in August 2017.
“The building is now weather tight, transformers that feed the hospital electricity are installed, and work on other mechanical systems including water, plumbing, electrical, and ventilation is well underway.
“We have gone from 77 workers this time last year to now over 190 workers on site daily.”
The focus this year for current hospital staff and physicians will be preparing for the move.
“This process is called operational readiness” said Stephen Street, GMCH President and CEO.
“Operational readiness planning is vital to the successful occupancy and operation of the new hospital. The objective is to ensure that all programs and services at the new facility are ready to begin immediately in a safe and organized manner on the first day of occupancy.
“Staff and physicians will be trained and oriented to the new spaces, equipment and processes during the months leading up to the move so they can hit the ground running on opening day.”
Fundraising efforts continue for the new hospital.
“The support from the community has been absolutely incredible and thanks to all of our generous supporters and donors, we have now raised over $17 million,” said Lori Arsenault, executive director of Groves Hospital Foundation.
“This means we have less than $3 million left to raise for the new hospital. We are now fundraising to outfit the hospital with the vital equipment we need to continue to treat our patients.
“All equipment being purchased now will move with us to the new Groves Hospital in spring 2020.”
Some of the new hospital features include growing from 39 to 45 inpatient beds with the ability to add five surge beds during busy times such as flu season.
Every patient room will also have its own bathroom with shower to improve upon infection control.
There is increased internal space for every department, including two new chemotherapy chairs in oncology, and externally there will be double the parking spaces and gardens surrounding the site. The facility is outfitted with all the features of a “smart” hospital, with embedded technology to track equipment, improve energy efficiency and enhance communications between patients and staff.
Computers will also be installed in each patient room for real time charting.
To donate to the new hospital call 519-843-2010 ext. 3268 or visit grovesfoundation.com for more information.
