Patients, staff, and the planet are expected to benefit from recent upgrades to Campbellford Memorial Hospital’s (CMH) heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
The Municipality of Trent Hills hospital announced it recently completed its HVAC project, “marking a significant milestone” in CMH’s journey to provide safe and high-quality care to the community.
The improvements include the replacement of air handling units, enhancements to ductwork, the installation of advanced air filtration and ventilation systems, and the implementation of an automated building control system.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the successful completion of our HVAC project, which represents a significant investment in the infrastructure of (CMH),” said Jeff Hohenkerk, CMH CEO, in a statement.
“This project ensures that our hospital maintains optimal indoor air quality, which is crucial for the health and well-being of our patients, staff, and visitors.”
Air quality becomes particularly important if the hospital encounters another pandemic or an outbreak of infectious disease, Peter Mitchell, CMH’s communications manager, told kawarthaNOW when asked how the new infrastructure would fare during those instances.
“Our HVAC upgrades include an advanced air filtration system, which helps to reduce the risk of airborne transmission within the hospital,” Mitchell said.
“Additionally, the system provides enhanced ventilation rates, ensuring a higher turnover of fresh air, which helps to dilute the concentration of airborne contaminants, thus helping to reduce the likelihood of viral spread,” the communications manager explained.
The hospital said the HVAC upgrades also contribute to its environmental sustainability efforts. Expected to reduce CMH’s yearly natural gas consumption by 10,000 cubic meters and lower greenhouse gas emissions by more than 19 tons annually, these improvements align with the hospital’s commitment to environmental stewardship, the media release noted.
CMH received more than $6 million in one-time capital funding from the provincial government for the HVAC project. There were extensive upgrades to the hospital’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning infrastructure.
The completion of this project is the result of a collaborative effort between CMH and TRANE, the company that upgraded the hospital’s HVAC system.
“We are proud to have partnered with (CMH) on this important project,” said Luis Rodrigues, TRANE’s general manager of comprehensive energy and infrastructure solutions. “The upgrades implemented will not only enhance the operational efficiency of the hospital but also contribute to creating a healthier and more comfortable environment for patients and staff.”
CMH said the completion of the HVAC project represents a significant step forward towards ensuring the current building can effectively meet the needs of the community.
“As CMH continues towards redevelopment as part of a campus of care, we remain committed to investing in the infrastructure and technology our current facility requires in order to meet the evolving needs of our patients, staff and community,” Hohenkerk said.
Campuses of care offer a continuum of community support programs, health care services, housing options and long-term care home beds in one location. CMH’s proposed site will include a new hospital, a long-term care home, a community mental health clinic, the Geriatric Assessment and Intervention Network (GAIN) program, and supportive senior housing.
