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A Project Update: January 2025

Project Status Update

Where we’re at

The new Dawson Creek & District Hospital has risen to the skyline and we have said farewell to the two mighty tower cranes – Hank and Dan. These mechanical marvels played a crucial role in the construction of the new hospital and have captured the hearts and imaginations of our community. On November 14, Hank (tower crane #1) was carefully dismantled and removed from the site, followed by Dan (tower crane #2) on December 4. Their departure marks the end of an era but also reminds us of the exciting and quick progress being made.

In addition, the installation of structural steel on Level 3 is now complete as well as majority of the roof installation, with the remainder being complete in March. Work continues on interior framing throughout the building and work is now underway on wall rough ins for mechanical and electrical as well as the installation of windows on Level 2.

What’s next

Over the coming months, the exterior of the building will start looking different each week as work begins on the full building envelope.

Focus on the inside of the building will remain on mechanical and electrical wall rough ins, with the first zones being complete by the end of January. In February, interior drywall installation will begin followed by finishes and architectural items such as paint, millwork, wall protection and flooring. All of the windows on Level 1 and Level 2 will be installed by the end of February, which will allow for more natural light throughout the building.

Elevators are currently being installed and will be operational by the end of March. Mechanical and electrical rooms throughout the building will also start taking shape as more equipment is delivered and installed. The remainder of the multi-trade racks will be installed on Level 0.

Construction Progress Photos

Operational Readiness and Transition Planning

Angus Connect has been actively advancing operational readiness at DCDH in collaboration with the Project Management Office. In September 2024, Phase 1: Project Initiation and Current State Assessment was successfully completed. This phase included capturing Corporate Opening Day Views, conducting a Lessons Learned workshop to gather insights from neighbouring capital projects, and engaging program leaders to understand the current state workflows at DCDH.

In October 2024, Angus Connect launched Phase 2: Development and Implementation, the largest phase in the three-phase approach, which will continue until Substantial Completion (November 2026). Through extensive collaboration with regional and local stakeholders, Angus Connect completed Patient Journey Mapping and Materials Mapping during their second site visit, conducted a Future State Assessment, and developed a comprehensive Change Map to address key changes across people, processes, and technology. Building on the insights from the change map, the development of an orientation, training, and education plan is underway to guide upcoming engagement sessions focused on the facility's start up activities. A Risk Register was also developed to track risks across all disciplines in the replacement project and to support ongoing discussions about mitigation strategies.

Currently, Angus Connect is collaborating with user groups to develop Operational Readiness Workplans. These plans will outline detailed steps for operationalizing each major change in the new facility. Angus Connect is energized by the progress made and looks forward to continuing this meaningful work to ensure a smooth and successful transition at DCDH.

Other Exciting News

Mock-up review: Inpatient washroom and accessories

Prior to the holidays, users from Facilities Maintenance, Infection Prevention and Control, and Rehabilitation attended a detailed mock-up review of the inpatient washroom and accessories on-site of the new Hospital. This session was crucial for gathering user feedback and ensuring the design meets the highest standards of functionality and safety.

Areas of feedback included:

Nightlight placement for enhanced nighttime visibility and safety
Location and size of swing-up grab bars
Placement of sink cleanout and shut-off valves
Backrest placement and width to comply with BC Building Code
Height and support of the flush valve
Accessible placement of Nurse Call, Emergency, and Call Bell devices
Paper towel dispenser location for improved access and safety

Site tour with Northern Lights College

Recently, representatives from the Northern Lights College (NLC) Executive and Health Sciences teams joined us for a site tour.

We want to extend our thanks to NLC for their incredible collaboration over the past year – they have been an exceptional neighbour since construction started. They have allowed Graham to lease a portion of their land for the site offices complex and temporary parking lot for site workers and have worked closely with us to ensure that everyone is informed about any road closures due to construction activities.

In return, we supported NLC by providing them with excavated dirt and fill for future projects on their campus. This mutually beneficial exchange has not only helped manage resources efficiently but also contributed to their development plans. As part of the project, we will also be straightening out the rear access road into the NLC Campus, which will enhance accessibility and safety for everyone using the road.

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Contact us directly

Email us at LetsTalkDCDH@northernhealth.ca.

Categories: Quarterly Update