Upgrades to pediatric ward thrill charity rep
Safety, lighting enhancements part of $16M project
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 24/06/2017 (3206 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Brandon Regional Health Centre has unveiled its new pediatric ward, complete with seven single rooms, a colourful play area and enhanced child protection features.
The Westman Dreams for Kids Foundation Pediatric Unit, located on the hospital’s second floor, marks the completion of Phase 1 of the multimillion-dollar redevelopment project.
“The BRHC is often literally at its max in terms of occupancy, and by moving (pediatrics) to the second floor — allowing us to redevelop the fourth and fifth floors in particular — we’ll be able to eventually expand our medical beds by 12,” said Brian Schoonbaert, chief operating officer of BRHC. “That will definitely help with our utilization issues that we have from time to time, but also, a desperately needed upgrade for those floors as well.”
Phase 1 construction began in May 2016, and faced a few delays. The overall cost of the entire project has increased to approximately $16 million, from the original $13.75 million. The increase is due to upgrades needed for heating, ventilation and electrical.
“We’ve added some of these others to the overall redevelopment,” Schoonbaert said. “Because we’re at a time of flux and change, we may as well do it all the same time.”
Work has already begin on Phase 2, which is the east side of the fifth floor, with Phase 3 to follow on the fourth floor. Construction is expected to continue for another 18 months.
The new pediatric unit includes an examination/clinic space, and rooms for nutrition, medication and storage. Safety features include alarmed exit doors, swipe access cards for staff and video surveillance.
The ward has been constructed with extensive use of natural light and is a more energy efficient space featuring the use of LED lighting, and enhanced electrical, plumbing and air handling systems.
“As a licensed nurse, I know what a difference this type of environment can make to providing care to those special people,” said Prairie Mountain Health CEO Penny Gilson. “Thank you to everybody who has made a difference here today.”
Westman Dreams for Kids Foundation provided $150,000 for the renovation, while the BRHC Foundation’s Room for Renewal campaign raised more than $600,000 for the entire redevelopment project. The City of Brandon provided more than $370,000. Many other donations were received from other groups and organizations for furniture, equipment, etc.
Jeff Thompson, past president of Westman Dreams for Kids Foundation, and current chair of special projects, said the unit is an “outstanding outcome.”
“What happens when you start something years ago, and you’re finally seeing it come to fruition, it’s so exciting,” Thompson said. “Our long-term commitment to all of Westman families is now permanently displayed here …and we couldn’t be happier really, to cement our legacy of helping kids in the Westman area.”
» jaustin@brandonsun.com
» Twitter: @jillianaustin