East Addition

Work on the fourth floor OB/Perinatal Services department project is moving along at a steady pace. Sheet rock, electrical work, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), and ceramic tiling in the restrooms and showers have been completed. Wall preparation is at 98 percent completion, and finish and painting work is 70 percent done. Ceiling grid is being installed, and is at 90 percent completion. The custom crafted, Corian counter tops are being installed, and are 85 percent finished. Floor installation begins this week, using a premium rubber product that provides acoustical benefits and requires low maintenance.

Air testing and balancing will take place this week. Each room must meet specific guidelines prior to city and state approval for occupancy. The mechanical contractor must balance supply and return air flow to meet standards that include a minimum of six total air exchanges per hour for patient rooms, and 15 total air exchanges per hour for specialty areas such as the operating room/C-section suite.

Construction completion and turnover to owner (VVMC) for the OB unit is on schedule for July 7 with the Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS), and architectural licensure and approval to follow. Anticipated occupancy is early August.

Internal

Phase 3B, which includes the new ED canopy; patient walk-in entry; and waiting, reception and triage areas; is scheduled for completion May 12 with an opening date of May 19. This will mark a significant milestone for the ED project and the ED’s enhanced ability to serve our current and future patients. One of the more challenging tasks in this area was the relocation of existing electrical panels which required having to shut down various areas inside the ED in phases. All interruptions were planned in order to give priority to maintaining safe and normal patient operations at all times.

Phase 4 converts the existing waiting room and reception area into a new EMS ambulance entry, and three new trauma bays. Phase 5 converts the existing trauma area into three behavioral health holding rooms, and a staff support area which includes a kitchen, locker and equipment storage space. Construction completion and turnover for all phases is scheduled for late September, with owner fit-up (equipment and furniture placement) to follow.

Second floor
Behind the temporary construction walls in the second floor corridor and throughout the Inpatient lobby, demolition of existing walls and ceilings has been completed. Construction of the new walls for Registration, the Gift Shop, Lab draw stations and Cardiology Services has begun. Plumbing and HVAC rough-ins are in progress, and the electrical room is being relocated across the hallway.

Some of this work, including plumbing rough-ins will require contractors to access sections below the floor level which will affect specific areas of Surgical Services. Plans are in process for this work, and will meet specific guidelines for approval by Infection Control and Surgical Services prior to start of the project. The second floor work is scheduled to be completed by early September.