PACHS News Room
PACHS’ Construction Plans Get Board Approval
After more than three years of discussing and researching financial, mechanical and strategic issues facing Palo Alto County Health System (PACHS), the PACHS Board of Trustees unanimously voted to move forward with a multi-phase construction/remodeling project.
Design for new construction/remodeling project
“The mission of PACHS is to promote the well being of people while serving with compassion, respect, excellence and stewardship to the residents of Palo Alto County,” said Jim Hobart, PACHS Trustee and Board president. “This project will help us to continue our mission well into the future.”
The hospital has accomplished a number of major facility improvements over the past fifteen years. It is evident by these projects that the hospital clearly is committed to providing a high standard of health care to Palo Alto County and the surrounding areas. Renovations tend to make us forget that some portions of the hospital are over forty years old. Given that tenure, some mechanical systems, electrical equipment and building components have exceeded their useful lives. The original building systems use energy and become more expensive to operate and maintain, as they get older. Examples of this are the fan coil units and central stations air handling systems serving the patient room wings and other areas in the original building energy systems.
First the building is aging:
- Aging electrical panels do not lend to expansion for additional outlets and modern equipment.
- General lighting throughout areas to be renovated is old and inefficient.
- Headwalls for patient rooms are outdated and parts unavailable.
- Heating and cooling systems need to be replaced due to general deterioration and parts are unavailable.
- Aged plumbing has caused pipes to corrode and collapse. Hard water has taken its toll on plumbing equipment.
- The membrane and insulation on the roof has outlived its life.
- The canopy on the administration entrance is deteriorating.
- The original emergency generator is at capacity.
- Long Term Care nurse call system is past expected service and needs to be replaced with new technology
- Many windows need replaced.
Second Laws have changed since the hospital was built:
- New Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations require strict patient confidentiality and privacy.
- ADA codes for the handicapped have changed to improve accessibility for patients. Patient bathrooms are too narrow for the use of wheelchairs or walkers.
- President Bush has called for greater use of electronic medical record as part of a larger healthcare plan that includes expansion of health savings accounts and medical liability reform.
In addition to the concerns listed above, there are issues regarding infection control, privacy and patient preference. Most patients would prefer a private room and the ability to have family visit without worrying about the other patient in their room. “As the baby boomers age, we are seeing many changes in our society, including healthcare,” according to Tom Lee, PACHS Administrator, “We are hoping to be able to meet their needs and preferences and still be fiscally responsible.”
Blueprint
(Select image to view larger copy)
There will be a groundbreaking in September 2006 for the new construction of the additions that are planned. Then, through four phases, acute and long-term care rooms will become private rooms and the surgery and dietary departments will see some renovation. The hope is to have this completed by the fall of 2008. PACHS is planning community visits throughout the county to share their vision regarding the proposed construction/remodeling and to answer any questions. “All rural healthcare facilities are facing increased challenges to remain viable and to continue delivering quality care,” said Lee. “A strong healthcare facility is important to rural communities and PACHS helps to enhance the quality of life in Palo Alto County.”