Category Operational Readiness and Transition Planning   Show all

  • A Project Update: January 2025

    Share A Project Update: January 2025 on Facebook Share A Project Update: January 2025 on Twitter Share A Project Update: January 2025 on Linkedin Email A Project Update: January 2025 link
    supporting image

    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.

    Featured Stories

    Interested in learning more?

    Subscribe to our new community newsletter

    Did you receive this newsletter from a colleague, family member, or friend? Want to get on the list to receive future updates directly to your inbox?

    If so, subscribe to our new community newsletter by completing the form.

    Contact us directly

    Email us at LetsTalkDCDH@northernhealth.ca.

    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

    number of comments, image icon 0 comments

  • A Project Update: July 2024

    Share A Project Update: July 2024 on Facebook Share A Project Update: July 2024 on Twitter Share A Project Update: July 2024 on Linkedin Email A Project Update: July 2024 link
    supporting image

    Project Status Update

    The new Dawson Creek & District Hospital really starting to take shape and construction is continuing to progress well!

    Since our last update, the foundation walls and the last concrete pour for the structural slabs were completed. In addition, work is underway on waterproofing, reinforcing steel, vertical construction and the installation of the multi-trade racks. Over the coming weeks, work will begin on the installation of structural steel.

    Two other major milestones were achieved over the past few months – the City of Dawson Creek issued the third and final Building Permit to Graham in June and two of the 100% design packages have been received. The third and final 100% design package will be received in mid-August.

    Operational Readiness and Transition Planning

    We’re excited to share that we have hired Angus Connect to provide Operational Readiness Advisory Services for the project. Angus Connect (a division of H.H. Angus & Associates Ltd) is a private consulting firm that provides advisory services based on clinical expertise and real-world experience.

    As we prepare for the new facility to open in Spring 2027, they will follow a 3-phased approach:

    • Phase 1: Project initiation and assessment (Summer 2024)
    • Phase 2: Development and implementation (Fall 2025 – Fall 2026)
    • Phase 3: Transition plan, move, and learn (Summer 2026 – Summer 2027)

    Angus Connect will help prepare and implement a plan to ensure Northern Health is ready to deliver the right care, at the right time, in the new facility. Through stakeholder engagement, detailed assessments, gap analysis, and patient journey mapping the team will help develop work plans for all programs and units. They will also support the development of the orientation, training, simulation and implementation plans to help ensure that the provision of healthcare services is not adversely impacted and that access to care will continue throughout the transition period.

    Earlier this summer, Angus Connect kick-started this work and completed their first site visit with two workshops about lessons learned and corporate opening day view. The team looks forward to working with local leadership to help ensure a smooth transition into the new hospital.

    Department Highlights

    Maternity Unit

    The maternity unit in the new facility includes 4 labour, delivery, recovery, and post-partum (LDRP) rooms – all of which are private with ensuite washrooms. Two rooms have birthing tubs and one room is bariatric with a larger floor plan that can support twin births. The LDRP model of care allows patients to experience labour, delivery and post-partum all while staying in the same room. The unit also features a quiet room, a holding nursery with advanced equipment, and an infant protection system.

    Key features of the maternity rooms include:

    • Large windows for access to natural light
    • Birthing bed and bedside table
    • Infant area with a built-in isolette and warmer
    • Rocker chair
    • Pull out couch
    • Small refrigerator
    • Wardrobe
    • Interactive patient education/entertainment system

    Emergency Department

    The emergency department in the new facility will be significantly larger (double in size from the current one) and a more welcoming space. There will be a designated entrance, registration area, and waiting area – which is separate from the main entrance. Treatment spaces are private and separated by walls to improve patient privacy. Staff workstations will be situated with clear sight lines to waiting areas and treatment spaces to enhance patient care and safety.

    Key features of the emergency department include:

    • 15 treatment spaces
    • 3 high acuity treatment spaces
    • 4 clinical decision spaces
    • 2 tandem trauma/resuscitation bays
    • Negative pressure treatment rooms
    • Crisis interview room
    • Quiet bereavement room
    • Enclosed, heated double bay ambulance garage
    • Site security office for improved safety

    Engagement Initiatives

    Celebrating 1-year of construction and our amazing staff!

    In collaboration with local leadership, the DCDH Project Management Office hosted a lunch celebration for Hospital, Health Unit and Rotary Manor staff to celebrate 1-year of construction on the new hospital. Everyone was invited to come down and have a bite to eat, mix and mingle with the friends and colleagues, and see the new hospital coming together right across the street.

    The Meat Doctor put together an excellent meal and Dawson Creek Co-op donated cold drinks and cookies for dessert!

    Deep Physio Summer Solstice Run

    On Saturday, June 22, Deep Physio hosted their 10th annual Summer Solstice Run at Walter Wright Pioneer Village. It was a beautiful sunny morning and runners from all over the Peace Country laced up their shoes and gathered to celebrate fitness and giving back to the community!

    The Dawson Creek & District Hospital Foundation was the recipient of this year’s event and received a generous donation of $5,500 to put towards local health care!

    NH Spring Leadership Forum

    On May 8 and 9, we showcased the project at the annual Northern Health Spring Leadership Forum in Prince George. This year’s forum brought in over 100 leaders from across the region for two days of education, collaboration, and networking. The leaders were also able to experience 50+ demo pods centered around Digital Health, SaferCare, and HealthSpaces.

    The project booths featured draft renderings, construction progress photos, video walk-throughs, sample materials and finishes boards, live construction cameras, swag and giveaways, and two 3D printed cranes!

    Interested in learning more?

    Visit Let’s Talk DCDH

    Here are some stories, photos, videos and documents that have been shared recently:

    By registering for Let’s Talk DCDH, you can share your thoughts on the project by commenting on recent stories or you can ask questions directly to the project team through the Q&A tool.

    Contact us directly

    Email us at LetsTalkDCDH@northernhealth.ca.

    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

    number of comments, image icon 0 comments