Construction underway in $20 million redevelopment project
On October 15, 2010, Hotel Dieu Hospital officially launched the construction phase of a major redevelopment project that will help to cement the hospital’s status as a leader in transforming ambulatory health care.
Patients across Southeastern Ontario will benefit as we become the one-stop site for specialized ambulatory (outpatient) clinics and services in this region. This consolidation of outpatient services will result in greater convenience, clarity and comfort for patients and families as they navigate the health care system.
When the redevelopment project is completed, Hotel Dieu will house most of the remaining specialized ambulatory clinics currently located at Kingston General Hospital. This translates into at least 50,000 new patient visits annually, as well as more efficient use of clinic space, personnel and equipment.
Specifically, we are redeveloping 36,000 square feet of existing space to create new generic clinic suites on two floors, a new urology clinic, new Pulmonary Function Testing Lab and new elevator tower. Renovations are also planned to revitalize the main lobby, and revamped space will house a consolidated Facilities Maintenance Department, including all maintenance shops and services.
This major capital project comes at a time when our hospital is embarking on an ambitious five-year strategic plan. New facilities will support our goals of providing an excellent patient care experience every time; fully engaging our staff; achieving high levels of performance, accountability and quality; and advancing our academic mission as a teaching and research hospital.
Our redevelopment project is one component of the overall redevelopment plans across Kingston’s university hospitals. Kingston General Hospital is close to completing 90 per cent of its major expansion and renovations, while Providence Care has received the go-ahead to build a new hospital on the King West site to replace its St. Mary’s of the Lake Hospital and Mental Health Services sites.
Questions & Answers
Impact on patients, staff, visitors
Q: Will the construction create barriers to patients and visitors finding their way around?
A: Since all construction sites within the hospital will be isolated and located behind protective hoarding and signed appropriately, patients will not be in the vicinity of any construction areas. They will be able to access clinics in the usual manner.
Q: What can patients and staff expect during construction?
A: There will be noise and vibration. There is no real way to avoid it as some drilling into concrete is necessary. Some areas are also made of cinderblocks, which do not come apart easily. The Joint Planning Office/construction crews will alert patient care areas when drilling will start and end so hospital staff can be prepared to warn patients.
Q: How will the hospital be communicating with patients?
A: We are committed to ensuring that patients have access to the information they require to access their care and to put them and their loved ones at ease. Plans are underway to keep patients and visitors updated about the construction project—through the hospital website, signage in the hospital, and well-informed front-line staff, who can directly share information about the construction project with patients.
Q: What clinics will transfer from KGH?
A: Phase 1 of the outpatient clinic transfers from KGH to Hotel Dieu was completed in early 2009. This represented about 6,200 annual outpatient visits in specialities such as endocrinology, cognitive disorders, clinical immunology, osteoporosis and orthopaedics. With the completion of Phase 2 (the construction phase) of the redevelopment project, up to 50,000 additional patient visits will transfer, representing clinical areas such as urology, respirology and medicine/surgery.
Q: How will you handle parking for the influx of new patients?
A: The majority of clinical activity or patient transfers from KGH will not occur until early 2012 and during the intervening time we shall continue to work with City officials to find ways and means to optimize availability of parking in the immediate vicinity of the hospital to facilitate access by patients and their families.
Q: Will volunteers be able to help patients with questions about construction and how it affects them?
A: Volunteers at the Information Desk will be fully briefed on the status of the construction project.
Construction-site specific
Q: How long will the construction project take?
A: This is a phased project that we expect to complete in mid 2012.
Q: Will construction be evident from the outside of HDH?
A: From the outside, the only evidence of construction will be demolition and excavation related to the construction of a new elevator tower in the Johnson wing. Otherwise, the exterior of the hospital should remain unaffected by construction activities.
Q: What will the construction project look like inside?
A: Most construction will take place behind doors (e.g. Jeanne Mance 4 & 5) or behind plywood hoarding that will be erected in consultation with infection control to ensure there are appropriate barriers in place.
Q: Will the construction affect traffic on Brock Street?
A: Traffic around the hospital may increase somewhat with truck deliveries but, in general, this should be restricted to the evening hours. In the event a delivery is necessary during the day, the contractor will provide “flagmen” to assist in directing traffic. The City will be advised of such deliveries to find ways to mitigate traffic delays.
Q: The hospital is an old building. What about the unexpected?
A: Many parts of HDH buildings were built a while ago and sometimes we don’t always know what every pipe or duct contains, or precisely where they go. This may cause a temporary unplanned shutdown of an area or system. When such a situation arises, the contractor will develop a plan with those who are directly affected before any action takes place.
Operational Issues
Q: What’s the price tag of the redevelopment project?
A: The cost of the overall redevelopment project is $20 million.
Q: What kind of growth in patient visits will occur?
A: Once the redevelopment project is completed, we will experience a significant jump in patient volumes—up to 50,000 additional patient visits per year.
