For Immediate Release – August 23, 2010

Media Release 

RE: Construction leads to Temporary Changes at Smiths Falls Site Emergency Parking Lot

Smiths Falls, ON - The Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital’s $43 million Smiths Falls Site Redevelopment Project is now in the final year of the two and a half year project. In May 2010, the Hospital opened its new 58,000 square foot patient care wing. In June 2010 construction started on the renovations of the 1950s wing and in October 2010 renovations will begin on the 1960s wing.

The renovation of the 1950s wing, now under way, includes major exterior work which will necessitate affecting the parking arrangements at the Emergency parking lot located off of Cornelia Street.   Landscaping and additional water catch basin’s are part of the work to take place that will see the expansion of the current Emergency parking lot  to 39 permanent spaces as well as improved access to the Emergency Department.

PLEASE NOTE -  The current Entrance Gate to the Emergency parking lot will be closed effective 6:00am Thursday August 26th, 2010 to allow for the above mentioned ground work in the Emergency parking lot .

As a result, approximately 22 of the 35 temporary/permanent parking spaces will be lost for a 3 – 4 week duration as construction takes place. So as to facilitate access to the emergency lot during this short period of time, the current Exit Gate to the Emergency parking lot (B) will also be used for Entrance to the remaining parking spaces.  Patients and visitors accessing the Emergency Department may also park in the main parking lot (A) located on Elmsley Street.  In addition, provision has been made to afford people accessing the Emergency Department only, to use a temporary parking lot (C).
Click Here to see and Print a diagram referencing Lots A, B and C.

We apologize for the inconvenience but this work will help complete the very important renovation of the Smiths Falls Site.

For more information contact:
Brian Allen, Vice President Finance & Support Services
Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital
613-283-2330 ext:1139
www.psfdh.on.ca

For Immediate Release – June 7, 2010

Media Release

RE:  Main Entrance Change at Smiths Falls Site

Smiths Falls, ON – With the move to the newly constructed wing the main entrance has been re-located to Elmsley Street. Patients and visitors are asked to use this new main entrance.  Only emergency patients should use the emergency entrance.

In order to facilitate the finding of various services patients and visitors should access the Smiths Falls site as follows:

-                      Patients in need for emergency services should continue to enter through the emergency entrance off of Cornelia street and park in the adjacent emergency parking lot

-                      Patients with appointments to see Dr. Anderson, Dr. Morell and Dr. Miller should continue to enter through the emergency entrance off of Cornelia Street

-                      Access through the main entrance on Elmsley Street should be used by those patients with appointments:

·         For Radiology, Cardiopulmonary, Physiotherapy and Dialysis. Proceed to the registration desk located in the main lobby

·         With Dr. Kerner and Dr. Roney

·         With the Obstetrical Clinic and Cataract Pre-op assessment clinic

·         For surgery

Signage inside the hospital will direct patients and visitors to the appropriate areas

The new main entrance is open Monday to Friday 6:30 am – 8:00 pm.  Access to the Smiths Falls site after these hours will continue to be through the emergency department entrance.

Parking for all non- emergency patients and visitors will continue in the Main lot (on Elmsley Street).

We thank you for your cooperation.

For more information contact:
Todd Stepanuik
President & CEO
Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital
613-283-2330 ext:1130
www.psfdh.on.ca

For Immediate Release – June 1, 2010

Media Release

RE:   New Wing Springs to Life

Smiths Falls, ON -  The final step in the planning and construction of the new wing came on May 29^th.  The transition to the new wing began at 7:00 am on May 28^th and was completed on May 29^th at approximately 3:00 pm.  Throughout the two days hospital staff worked together in a seamless effort with HealthCare Relocations (HCR).  “The success of this complex move is a testament to our staff and HCR” said Todd Stepanuik, President & CEO.

The new wing officially opened today, completing the second phase of the redevelopment of the Smiths Falls site.   The Main floor of the 58,000 square foot wing includes Cafeteria, Ambulatory Care, Dialysis, and Gift Shop.  Obstetrics, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Surgical Day Care Unit and the Operating rooms (OR’s) are located on the second floor.   The Ground (basement) level includes Diagnostic Imaging, CAT (CT) Scan, Cardio Pulmonary and Stores.

“I am most excited for our patients,” said Linda Bisonette, Vice President, Patient Care & CNE.  She added, “They are going to love their new surroundings.”

Commencing this week for the next 12 months the 70,000 square foot existing building will be completely renovated.        

For more information contact:
Todd Stepanuik
President & CEO
Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital
613-283-2330 ext:1130
www.psfdh.on.ca

For Immediate Release – May 29, 2010

Media Release

RE:   Hospital Cuts Ribbon for New Wing

Smiths Falls, ON -  Approximately 200 people attended the May 27^th ribbon cutting celebration for the new wing/building at the Smiths Falls site.  Public officials, physicians, employees, donors, volunteers, partners, members of the community, supporters and friends were on hand.  Larry Sparks, Vice Chair of the Hospital Board welcomed everyone.

The $45 million construction project began with the construction of a new 58,000 square foot building.  The celebration came nearly 21 months after ground was broken for the ambitious project.

Chair of the Hospital Board, Tim Carter stated, “Today we are here to deliver the first part of “Our Promise” as we introduce the new wing.  The new wing includes new state of the art operating rooms, a new Post Anesthetic Care unit, New Diagnostic Imaging  Unit, a CT Scan, new Intensive Care Unit, to name a few.”  He added, “This is a showcase for health care.” Mr. Carter thanked everyone who contributed to the project, including the two hospital foundations and municipalities.  Mr. Carter also thanked the Capital Campaign Committee. “I would like to say thank you to all of the members of the Capital Campaign for all of your hard work.  To our two honorary co-chairs thank you to Richard Schooley and the late Dr. Archie Kerr.  Finally, Paul Howard, a huge thank you for agreeing to chair the Capital Campaign and for your leadership.”

Todd Stepanuik, President & CEO commented, “Today is a day of celebration, of inspiration, a day we have awaited for many years.”  He congratulated everyone who contributed to the realization of the project.  “Everyone who has advocated, planned, designed, built and even prayed for this project happening can feel justifiably proud of what has been accomplished” he said.  Mr. Stepanuik went on to add that it has been a long journey.  It is the biggest construction project ever undertaken at Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital and there remains one year left in the redevelopment.  He paid special tribute to staff, physicians and managers for their efforts, dedication, and enormous contribution to the project.  He acknowledged their hard work and leadership in getting the project to this point.  He also thanked the general contractor, architects and project managers.  He concluded by stating, “I am incredibly proud of the end result.  This belongs to all of us.  The story of this wing, of our wing, has just begun.”

The third speaker was Paul Howard, Chair of the Capital Campaign committee. “When I first toured the facility I was overcome by what had been accomplished.  The completion of this project is a testament to the confidence of many groups in the future of our community and we can all be proud of what has been accomplished.”  Mr. Howard extended a heartfelt thanks to the Provincial Government, the Smiths Falls Community Hospital Foundation, the Great War Memorial Hospital of Perth District Foundation, the donors, service clubs, businesses, and to the Capital Campaign Committee and the various sub committees.  “A huge debt of gratitude is owed.  The hours you have all spent is truly appreciated.  The community thanks you and I salute you personally.”

“The new wing has generated a tremendous amount of excitement and anticipation in Smiths Falls and the surrounding area.  Our health care team at the Smiths Falls site is very much looking forward to caring for patients in this larger, modern, state of the art building” said Todd Stepanuik.

While the new 58,000 wing may be complete, construction work will not end until May of 2011.  The third phase of construction will commence on June 3 and will result in the complete renovation to the existing 70,000 square foot building.

Father Sebastian Amato offered the blessing,  “It is for the betterment of human life that places like hospitals have been created……. As was mentioned, we gather today to cut the ribbon of a new section to this hospital building, particularly, this addition is built on the site of the convent of the Sisters of Providence who came to Smiths Falls in 1904 by invitation to help the people survive help the people the disease that was killing many people……  Bless this hospital and let it be a place of healing and of comfort to those in pain.”  He gave a blessing for “all those who walk as servants within these walls.”

Patients and visitors can access the new wing through the new main lobby located on Elmsley Street. 

“My sense was that the people who took part in the tours were overwhelmed by the beauty of the building, inside and out” said Tim Carter, Board Chair.  “The typical reaction was “wow”.  I believe everyone marveled at the spaciousness, colors, natural light and new technology of the new wing.”

The newly constructed 58,000 square foot wing replaces the 1904 wing demolished in 2009. 

“I would like to express my thanks to the public for their patience and understanding both during the construction period of the new wing and as we move forward with Phase 3 of our renovations,” said Mr. Stepanuik.

The new wing will open its doors May 31^st.

For more information contact:
Todd Stepanuik
President & CEO
Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital
613-283-2330 ext:1130
www.psfdh.on.ca

For Immediate Release – May 25^th, 2010

Media Release

RE:   Hospital preparing for BIG move

Smiths Falls, ON - If you have ever moved from one home to another, you understand that the key to a successful move lies in the details.  But just what does it take to move an entire hospital wing?    Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital (PSFDH) staff and medical staff move mountains to provide the best patient care, but moving a hospital is not an easy task.  Later this week, commencing on May 28^th through to May 30^th the Smiths Falls site of the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital will transition into the new wing.  PSFDH programs/departments including Diagnostic Imaging (Radiology), Ambulatory Care, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Obstetrics, Operating Rooms (OR’s), and others will move entirely into their new home. 

For several months, PSFDH has been working in close collaboration with Health Care Relocations (HCR), a company that specializes in moving hospitals throughout North America on the scores of fine details associated with a move of this magnitude and complexity.  “This is an enormous undertaking, we are right on target and the team we have assembled has been receptive, organized and outstanding,” said Norene Allen, PSFDH on site move coordinator.

The move itself, including equipment, furnishings, personnel and patients is scheduled to begin on May 28^th and end on May 30^th.  Coordinating a hospital move – complete with millions of dollars worth of equipment, staff members, patients, etc. – takes months of planning.  Vital aspects of the transition planning and move include:

-          Making sure all supplies – from gauze to linens to drugs – are ordered and stocked properly for the new wing;

-          Training all staff, volunteers and physicians on the layout of the new wing and orientating them to new nurse call systems, medical gas outlet locations, fire plans, etc.; and

-          Working with outside vendors.

Construction crews are putting the final touches on the new hospital wing.  It may sound simple enough to move patients from one place to another but the move has to happen without disrupting around-the-clock caregiving.

With the construction to the new wing complete the hospital’s main entrance has changed and is now located on Elmsley Street.   Brian Allen, Vice President Finance & Support Services stated, “with the addition of a functional main entrance the expectation is that the majority of patients, visitors and family members will be accessing the main entrance.”  Effective May 31st  the new entrance can be accessed.  The new entrance also has a designated drop-off zone.  Pedestrian access has also been incorporated from the hospital’s new main parking lot to the main entrance. 

Once the move has successfully taken place the hospital will embark on re-developing the existing hospital site over the course of the next year. 

For more information contact:
Todd Stepanuik
President & CEO
Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital
613-283-2330 ext:1130
www.psfdh.on.ca

For Immediate Release – October 27, 2008

Groundbreaking Ceremony for
Smiths Falls Site Hospital Redevelopment Scheduled

SMITHS FALLS, ON -   The Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital is pleased to announce the official groundbreaking ceremony (celebration) is scheduled for November 10^th, 2008 at 10:00 am on the Smiths Falls hospital campus (60 Cornelia Street West).  “This is the culmination of more than a decade of hard work to realize our vision” said Tim Carter, Board Chair.  He added, “The groundbreaking is a milestone event for the hospital and we invite everyone to be a part of this exciting step as it will be a golden moment for our community.”

“The groundbreaking marks a truly momentous day for the Hospital, the community and the entire region”, said Todd Stepanuik, President & CEO.  The official program will begin at 10:00 a.m..  Community members are invited to attend this historic event.  As part of the celebration, there will be a shovel ceremony including donors, hospital staff and dignitaries turning the sod.

Among the many invited guests and dignitaries that will be attending the groundbreaking ceremony include: Minister David Caplan (Minister of Health and Long Term Care) and MPP Randy Hillier.

In addition to the sod turning, the event will include an opportunity to sign a beam that will be built into the new structure.

To accommodate the celebration, parking will be available in Parking Lot  “A” (Elmsley Street)

Refreshments will follow the ceremony.  Displays of the redeveloped/future site will also be on display.

For more information contact:
Todd Stepanuik, President & CEO
Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital
613-283-2330 ext:1130  

www.psfdh.on.ca

For Immediate Release – October 3, 2008

PATIENT AND VISITOR PARKING AT SMITHS FALLS SITE AFFECTED BY CONSTRUCTION - UPDATE

SMITHS FALLS, ON - Patients and visitors to the Smiths Falls site of the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital will start to see visible signs of construction beginning on September 2, 2008.

The first phase of the $43 million redevelopment kicks off with the installation of fencing and hoarding around the 1904 wing (on Elmsley Street), the demolition of that wing, creation of interim parking areas, the construction of a new electrical substation, and construction of a temporary loading dock.

Vehicle parking on hospital premises will be impacted as the current parking lot will be lost for 15 months as the new wing gets constructed.  To help manage disruption, a new main patient and visitor parking lot (Lot “A”) has been created adjacent to Elmsley Street off of Johnson Street.  The new lot will be operational Wednesday, October 8, 2008.  In addition, expansion to the existing emergency parking lot will take place (Lot “B”). 

We encourage those requiring emergency services or barrier-free parking to use parking lot “B”. There will not be any displacement of parking spots during the initial 15 months.  In fact, there will be additional parking spaces created. In total provision has been made for 122 spots with 10 of those being dedicated for handicapped spaces.  Signage will direct you to either of the two lots.

The only access points to the hospital site during the initial 15 months of construction will be via the main entrance and emergency entrance.  “We know that this will be inconvenient through the short term.  We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as with any significant changes inconveniences inevitably occur.  This short term imposition will be worth it as it will lead to the creation of a state-of-the-art facility that is so clearly needed” said Todd Stepanuik, President & CEO. 

We appreciate your patience and understanding throughout this transition.

For further information contact:

Todd Stepanuik, President & CEO
Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital
613-283-2330 ext:1130  

www.psfdh.on.ca

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 29, 2008

PATIENT AND VISITOR PARKING AT SMITHS FALLS SITE AFFECTED BY CONSTRUCTION

SMITHS FALLS, ON - Patients and visitors to the Smiths Falls site of the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital will start to see visible signs of construction beginning on September 2, 2008.

The first phase of the $43 million redevelopment kicks off with the installation of fencing and hoarding around the 1904 wing (on Elmsley Street), the demolition of that wing, creation of interim parking areas, the construction of a new electrical substation, and construction of a temporary loading dock.

Vehicle parking on hospital premises will be impacted as the current parking lot will be lost for 15 months as the new wing gets constructed.  To help manage disruption, a new main patient and visitor parking lot (Lot “A”) has been created adjacent to Elmsley Street off of Johnson Street.  In addition, expansion to the existing emergency parking lot will take place (Lot “B”).  We encourage those requiring emergency services or barrier-free parking to use parking lot “B”. There will not be any displacement of parking spots during the initial 15 months.  In fact, there will be additional parking spaces created. In total provision has been made for 122 spots with 10 of those being dedicated for handicapped spaces.  Signage will direct you to either of the two lots.

Temporary Parking - Lot A Patients & Visitors and Lot B Emergency

The only access points to the hospital site during the initial 15 months of construction will be via the main entrance and emergency entrance.  “We know that this will be inconvenient through the short term.  We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as with any significant changes inconveniences inevitably occur.  This short term imposition will be worth it as it will lead to the creation of a state-of-the-art facility that is so clearly needed” said Todd Stepanuik, President & CEO. 

We appreciate your patience and understanding throughout this transition.

For further information contact:

Todd Stepanuik
President & CEO          
Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital
613-283-2330-ext:1130

www.psfdh.on.ca

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August  25, 2008

Construction Contract awarded

SMITHS FALLS, ON - The Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital is pleased to announce that the firm of Aecon Buildings, a division of Aecon Construction Group, Inc. has been awarded the construction contract.  The award was the result of a formal RFP process that was issued earlier this year.

Tim Carter - Board Chair and Todd Stepanuik met with representatives of Aecon Buildings on Friday, August 22^nd for the purpose of executing the contract documents.  Aecon Construction is the largest publicly traded construction and infrastructure development firm in Canada.  “This was a very exciting and proud day as it marks an historical milestone for the Hospital,@ said Tim Carter, Chair, Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital Board of Directors. AToday we begin to prepare to enter a second century of care for the residents in our communities.@

Preliminary site work for the SF redevelopment will be underway within the week.  Over the next four to six weeks, Aecon will focus on the construction of a new electrical substation, construction of a temporary loading dock, creation of temporary parking lots location of construction trailers, equipment and supplies will be situated on the site of the current main parking lot, hoarding of the 1904 building and the demolition of said wing.

AResidents will see increased activity beginning over the next week,@ said Todd Stepanuik, President & CEO.

Some of the highlights of the $43+ million redevelopment project will include, but is not limited to the following:

- Construction of a 58,000 square foot new wing;

- 3 new state of the art surgical suites;

- new Post anaesthetic care unit;

- new Intensive Care unit (ICU);

- new Obstetrical (Labour and Delivery) Unit;

- new and expanded ambulatory care area;

- new and expanded Diagnostic Imaging Unit;

- introduction of CT (CAT Scan) unit;

- Major renovations to the remainder of the existing (70,160 square foot) Building;

- new Rehabilitation unit;

- new and expanded Medical Surgical inpatient unit;

- expanded Laboratory; and

- new Palliative care unit.

Construction is expected to be completed in December of 2010.

For more information, please contact: Todd Stepanuik, President and CEO, at 613-283-2330 ext. 1130 or .

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 18th, 2008

Hospital To Award Contract For Smiths Falls Site Redevelopment

SMITHS FALLS, ON – The Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital is delighted to announce that the Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care has approved the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital in awarding the construction contract.

“This is a pivotal day in the history of the hospital.  Today, I believe, I can truly speak for all of us, that we are elated,” expressed Tim Carter, Chair, Board of Directors.  “This is the final approval required from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Construction will now be able to proceed.  Indeed, this is outstanding news for the hospital and our community.  Mr. Carter adds “I am unable to disclose who the successful firm is until such time as the Hospital and representatives of the firm have ratified the construction contract.”

The Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital will now meet with representatives of successful firm later this week to sign the construction contract.  The construction process and work will begin almost immediately with the firm being on-site within 72hrs of the contract being ratified.  It is expected that the construction will take 120 weeks with completion expected in December of 2010. 

The Smiths Falls site’s $43 million redevelopment project will include the demolition of the 1904 wing, the construction of a multi-level wing which will house diagnostic imaging, expanded ambulatory care, dialysis, 3 state of the art operating rooms (surgical suites) , post-op anesthetics care unit, new obstetrical (Labour and Delivery) unit, and intensive care unit.  Also included is provision for the introduction of a CT  unit (CAT Scan). Extensive renovations throughout the remainder of the hospital site will also be occuring.

“We are sincerely thankful for the support we have received throughout this process.  The participation of so many, particularly our staff and physicians in the development of the expansion, has been a vital component in reaching this stage of this capital project,” says Todd Stepanuik, President & CEO.

“The ongoing community financial support we have received throughout this process has been vital along with the very significant financial support from the provincial government and the considerable contribution from the Town of Smiths Falls and other municipalities.  The continued commitment and dedication from the Smiths Falls Community Hospital Foundation, and the “Your Health…Our Promise” Capital Campaign Committee as well as the outpouring of local support and funds from the community has been an overwhelming show of exceptional generosity and community spirit.,” stated T. Carter

Tim Carter went on to add, “The Smiths Falls redevelopment expansion and revitalization is crucial to the continued development and expansion of health care services in the community and region.  This will ensure that families will have adequate and appropriate access to healthcare services, which is one of the most important things to me. As a long-term resident of this area, I am proud that we have been able to work together to provide our families with an expanded hospital and new services.  In addition, I believe that this expansion will have a very positive economic impact at the local level.”

For more information, please contact: Todd Stepanuik, President and CEO, at 613-283-2330 ext. 1130 or .

News Release

McGuinty Government Supporting Redevelopment Project for Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital
Expansion And Renovations To Boost Patient Care

“This announcement will enable us to forge ahead with our commitment to delivering unparalleled care to our patients,” said Todd Stepanuik, CEO, Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital. “We look forward to having shovels in the ground in April.”
                 

Monday, November 6, 2006

Local hospital expansion and revitalization to cost $35 million

SMITHS FALLS, ON – Officials at Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital have learned it will cost approximately $35 million to re-develop the Smiths Falls site. The figure was provided by construction cost consultants Marshall & Murray Inc.