Wednesday, October 07, 2015
Grey Bruce Health Services
Renovation Update - Cancer Care Unit, 5th Fl, Owen Sound Hospital
The renovation of our oncology (cancer) unit on the 5th floor of the Owen Sound Hospital is well underway, and our plans for completing the project are on schedule.
Thanks to generous donations to The Hospital Campaign, this renovation will allow us to consolidate our oncology services onto the 5th floor instead of being spread out over two floors. The new unit will be approximately 40 percent larger than the current space, with a larger chemotherapy treatment area, new waiting area and more privacy for patients and their families.
To give you an update on the renovation, here's what's been happening since July:
- Walls have been removed to make room for the new chemotherapy room
- Carpets have been taken out
- Plumbers have removed old pipes that are no longer needed
- Drywall and ceilings have been removed
- New walls are being built for patient exam rooms, and staff areas
- Wiring has been upgraded to support technology requirements
- New equipment has been ordered
- New lights have arrived
We are building a pharmacy in the new unit for the preparation of chemotherapy drugs. This will not be a retail pharmacy. There are new standards for pharmacies that prepare chemotherapy medications, including installation of separate air handling systems with vents and high tech fume hoods to ensure appropriate air quality standards, and work being undertaken to meet these standards is labour intensive.
This renovation will not change the footprint of the hospital - we are designing the unit to maximize available space, and make the flow of patients, families and staff more efficient and effective. Our goal is also to use as much of the existing electrical and plumbing infrastructure as possible to minimize cost.
We anticipate all of the work to be completed by the end of this year, with a grand opening in early 2016.
Thank you to all our donors for improving cancer care for Grey Bruce residents. Your contributions are helping us to continue offering quality cancer care, close to home.
|