East Addition
Finish work continues on the first and second floors. Cabinet work and painting is at 75 percent completion on the first floor and fully completed on the second floor. Also on the second floor, ceiling tiles have been installed, and cleaning crews have started work to prepare the unit for final inspection.

Air balancing began this week which will determine air flow and room air exchanges according to infection control guidelines. Examples: A typical patient room requires a minimum of six complete air exchanges per hour and an isolation patient room requires a minimum of 12 complete air exchanges per hour.

An architectural surveyor from the Arizona Department of Health Services was on site this past Monday to perform the second of three required inspections of the East tower. Passing the third and final inspection will provide VVMC with its certificate of occupancy.

New MRI equipment has been ordered, with a projected delivery date scheduled for Aug. 5. Considering installation, calibration, certification and staff orientation, patient use is scheduled for the first week of September. Other Medical Imaging equipment purchased includes a DR (digital radiography) unit and PACS (picture archiving and communication system). During the relocation phase of the Medical Imaging department from the existing space in the hospital to its new location on the first floor of the East tower, there will be no interruption to existing patient services.

North Addition
Sheet rock installation and finish preparation is 90 percent completed. Fire caulking is in progress, and installation of the ceiling grid will follow. Over the next 30 days, cabinets will arrive and preparation for floor installation will begin.

Site work around both additions is ongoing with concrete pours for curbing and sidewalks taking place. Driveway and parking areas are being prepared for asphalt.