Many upgrades toArbuckle Memorial Hospital have been ongoing in the last several months and are nearing completion, according to Jeremy Jones, administrator.
One of the most extensive upgrades to the 16-yearold building, the replacement of two large chiller units, is about half completed, Jones said.
According to Jones, two large chilling units were purchased to replace the original units installed when the building opened in 2009. The original units are now obsolete, he said, and replacement parts are no longer available, requiring the need for new units.
One large chiller unit was installed on top of the building last week and the remaining unit will be lifted to the roof in several months, completing the $250,000 project.
Several other projects to improve and enhance the building have also been ongoing in the last year or so and have been completed, according to Jones.
They include exterior painting, the addition of new furniture in patient rooms, the placement of bollards around the building and the installation of ceiling lifts in two patient rooms.
Two new lifts were installed in patient rooms recently at Arbuckle Memorial Hospital.
Hospital Improvements
The painting project involved all exterior metal trim and iron supports. “The new paint looks great and also protects the exterior of the building,” said Jones. The total cost of that project, according to Jones, came in at $36,000.
Another important project just completed included the replacement of furniture in all patient rooms, lobby and waiting rooms. Jones said the old furniture was worn and did not meet infection control guidelines.
The total cost of that project came in at $165,000, he said.
Another project to protect the building from accidental vehicle damage was just completed.
It involved the placement of 40 bollards around the building. These structures are anchored in the ground and were placed along the driveways near the health clinic, main entrance and around the emergency room entrance.
That project was completed for a cost of $34,000.
A fifth project, the installation of two new ceiling lifts in patient rooms, was completed for a cost of $25,000, Jones said.
The ceiling lifts will allow staff to safely move patients while also assisting in physical therapy rehabilitation, Jones said.
The total for all the improvements came in at $510,000, Jones said.
The new hospital was opened on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009 amid a gala reception and tour. Building on the structure begin in the months after a $16 million bond project was sold.
Bollards were recently installed around Arbuckle Memorial Hospital to protect the building. Pictured is the area around the emergency room entrance.
This large crane was used to install one of the two new chiller units on top of the hospital. The second unit will be installed in the next couple of months.
