In this new year, activity continues to be centered around two projects that must be completed before construction of the Memorial Patient Tower begins. These projects include the relocation of the Energy Center and the renovation of the sixth floor for the Adult Intermediate Care Unit.
Here’s a look at where these projects stand today and some details surrounding the work for construction teams in the months leading up to their completion.
Energy Center
Work is well underway and the underground phases of mechanical, electrical and plumbing connections for tying in the new Energy Center addition to the future patient tower have been completed. Foundations for the new Energy Center addition are in progress. The current boiler plant has to move because it is located where the new patient tower will be built.
Four new boilers, along with space for a future boiler, will be installed as part of this enabling project, which is scheduled to be completed late spring or early summer. The new boilers, which will replace those that the hospital has been using since the late 1950s and early 70s, will be smaller in size and more efficient.
“The new Energy Center addition for the new boilers will have to be up and running prior to doing any project demolition for the new Patient Tower,” said Tom Jordan, Memorial Hospital’s Director of Facilities and Grounds. “In addition, there is a whole maze of steam piping that has to be run through the basement so the switchover can happen. This enabling project will make a huge difference in how the whole campus operates and how efficient, reliable and dependable things are.”
Sixth Floor
Sixth floor renovations are expected to be completed and the Adult Intermediate Care Unit up and running during the summer in its new location. But there is much work to be completed before that happens. The sixth floor previously served pediatric patients before Beacon Children’s Hospital moved to its current location.
Drywall framing and finishing will be completed in the next few months, followed by the installation of new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. Interior construction will then shift to millwork, cabinetry and the installation of high-grade acoustical ceilings. WiFi, Bluetooth technology and real-time location services, which will provide medical equipment managing and tracking, are also planned before the unit is relocated.
Moving the Adult Intermediate Care Unit to the sixth floor allows the ICU team to have a temporary home during tower construction and continue delivering outstanding patient care while their department undergoes a complete renovation as well. After all renovations are completed, the sixth floor will have an additional 24 patient care beds to complement the existing unit after it returns to its previous location.
“We are excited to finally see over two years of design and planning come to fruition as the sixth floor and Energy Center are smaller enabling projects that will set us up for success with the larger new Patient Tower,” Project Lead Tomas Howard said. “It’s an exciting time for Memorial Hospital as we are elevating the level of care, capacity and technology for our patients and the Michiana areas we serve.”
