Project Description
The project was a multi-location and multi-phased renovation of 8 X-Ray suites to accommodate Carestream’s DRX Evolution Digital Radiography systems. Participating hospitals for the Fleet replacement works were Toronto General, Toronto Western, Princess Margaret and the Toronto Rehab Institute.
What we did
The project was undertaken on a Design & Build contract as our Design Team were carefully chosen due to our experience and knowledge in X-Ray suite design and workflow. Toronto General and Toronto Western Hospital sites included multiple suites with works carried-out under phases to ensure any potential interruption to the functioning Departments were avoided. To maintain Schedule, Toronto General and Toronto Western phases were completed concurrently with 2x Phases on each hospital, followed by Princess Margaret and finally Toronto Rehab Institute. Each Suite within the upgrade was in an active patient care area that required continuous coordination with the Client and Departments to minimize impact on patients and staff.
Each Suite required critical infrastructure upgrades, removal of the existing x-ray equipment, structural steel overhead support systems, upgrades to the Radiation and new Architectural finishes throughout. The highlight of each room was the addition of a nature themed feature wall to provide for an added patient comfort within each suite. The Gen-eer team have received significant positive feedback from both patients and the user groups for these additions.
Unique Challenges
Construction of DR Fleet did suffer an initial impact due to the Sheet Metal Union strike, however Gen-eer maintained the construction schedule despite this, with each project suite being completed on time and on budget.
The biggest challenge for these projects was the works taking place within very active patient care areas that had to remain operational throughout. During our design phase Gen-eer provided a detailed infection control plan for each project site with a detailed review undertaken with UHN’s IPAC representative. With some minor adjustments on each location, the final IPAC plan was agreed. One particular location required the installation of a louvered exhaust vent to the exterior wall of the building that would allow our exhaust to maintain the negative pressure. Upon completion, the decision was made to have the Louvre remain for future-use to provide the sole venting options to that specific area of the building. This decision has since proven to be very useful for the client for other projects in the area.
The Outcome
Effective communication and transparency from all parties was critical to the success and flow of the overall project and schedule. As a TEAM all Challenges and Risks were discussed together with the presentation of the solutions that would support in the mitigation of any potential impact to the schedule, budget and continued operation of the departments. This Teamwork approach provided for the project delivery on time and on schedule with a delighted client.
