Construction continues on massive CVPH Surgical Unit

By JEFF MEYERS
Staff Writer

June 28, 2008 04:00 am

— PLATTSBURGH -- Flooring is being laid, equipment is arriving, and rooms are taking shape as CVPH Medical Center prepares for the opening of its $35 million Surgical Unit.
The first surgical procedure is expected to take place Oct. 20, marking a new era of advanced health-care services at the Medical Center.
MODERNIZING
"The operating rooms will be three different sizes," Stephens Mundy, president and chief executive officer of CVPH, said as he toured the construction site this week. "The smallest rooms are almost double what we have now."
The new wing will feature nine operating rooms, including the two largest rooms dedicated to open-heart procedures.
"We're providing a better environment for our employees to work and a more convenient and private area for our patients and their families," Mundy said.
Upgrades will also help modernize the physical capabilities of the unit.
"Our operating rooms would not pass certification today," said Roger Ahrens, director of the CVPH Foundation. "That's one of the important reasons why this had to be done."
"The current mechanical systems were put in 40 years ago," Mundy added. "Today's equipment is so much more advanced."
STERILIZATION CENTER
As he spoke, while standing in one of the spacious units, Mundy wondered aloud what the room would look like in two months when upgraded operating equipment was hanging suspended from the ceiling.
Mundy seemed especially impressed with the Central Processing Center, the area beneath the Surgical Wing where equipment will be processed each day to ensure a consistently sterile environment.
The current sterilization area is located some distance from the Surgical Unit, and employees have to move through hospital hallways from one location to the other.
When the new facility opens, both areas will be physically connected.
TIMING
Officials expect to open the Central Processing Center in September to prepare for the Oct. 20 surgical opening.
Two weeks later, the new entrance, patient registration and surgical waiting areas will open, ending Phase 1 of the project. Workers will then begin renovating the current operating rooms to serve as post-op recovery rooms, which are currently on the fifth floor.
"It's the same process we went through with the Intensive Care Unit project," said Michael Hildebran, director of public relations and marketing. "As we finish construction on the new area, we begin renovations on the old."
New signs at the front entrance, as well as an increased staff presence, will help visitors adjust to the new setup, Mundy said.
CAMPAIGN GOAL
Meanwhile, the CVPH Foundation has announced an accelerated effort to reach its goal of raising $7 million to support the new surgical unit.
"The seven million is essentially like a down payment for the project," Ahrens said. "We've reached nearly $6.75 million and are going to reach out to the community to put us over the top."
The Foundation Office will soon be sending letters to individuals across Clinton, Essex and Franklin counties in an effort to reach that final goal by the opening day of surgical procedures, he said.
"This will give people an opportunity to take part in the process. It's their support that will help put us on top."
jmeyers@pressrepublican.com

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