We're proud to announce that our construction team has received a certificate of substantial completion for Corner Brook Hospital!
The completion of New Western Memorial Regional Hospital (Corner Brook Acute Hospital) is a significant achievement. First announced over 15 years ago, this 600,000-square-foot and 164-bed facility offers the same range of services as the current 50-year-old Western Memorial Regional Hospital but with the added advantage of an enhanced cancer care program. This comprehensive acute hospital fills a vital need in the region with a LINAC bunker, radiation services, private inpatient rooms, state-of-the-art technology, and significantly increased renal care and dialysis capacity.
Not only does this facility provide top-notch healthcare, but it is also environmentally friendly. The hospital's geothermal system is a shining example of its commitment to sustainability. By utilizing this geothermal system, this hospital is estimated to save approximately 4.6 Mwh of electricity annually, equivalent to heating 500 homes for a year. Plan Group is proud to deliver the largest geothermal heating system in any Canadian healthcare facility.
Throughout the project, Plan Group and our JV partner, The Cahill Group, exhibited remarkable resilience in overcoming many challenges. These obstacles encompassed navigating the complexities of working amidst a pandemic, adverse weather conditions, road closures, supply chain delays, and local labour constraints. To ensure the project's success, we implemented innovative prefabrication techniques, relocated our staff, and maintained strong communication with our office through regular virtual updates and site visits. Additionally, we leveraged shipping by sea and capitalized on our established relationships with local vendors and suppliers. Our innovative procurement strategies were crucial in keeping the project on track.
THE PLAN GROUP DIFFERENCE
Our Contribution
This project marks a significant achievement for our team as we successfully integrated our Mechanical, Electrical, and Technology services in an acute hospital setting. Our expertise in design-build was instrumental in bringing this facility to completion. Through a collaborative, multi-trade approach and utilizing our in-house prefabrication team, we streamlined the entire process and successfully delivered this project on time.
MECHANICAL
Plan Group successfully executed a comprehensive installation of critical units for this state-of-the-art facility. Our team was fully engaged from the beginning of the project, working diligently to streamline and coordinate the HVAC system design for this complex and large facility. We collaborated with trusted partners to ensure the early delivery of air handling units, ERVs, fans, FCUs, and more, allowing for their placement before the ducts became highly stratified. By understanding the local market and considering the limitations of sheet metal workers, we worked alongside Parklane to develop and deliver pre-fabricated plenum panels. These panels were efficiently hoisted into place and bolted together, eliminating the need for on-site construction and enabling us to meet the project timeline more effectively. Additionally, our JV partner, Cahill Group, expertly handled all sheet metal fabrication in St. John's, NL.
Our team successfully executed all the necessary systems for the hospital, including plumbing, hydronic, domestic water, storm and sanitary piping, HVAC, fire protection, RO (reverse osmosis), med gas, pneumatic tube, heating, cooling, humidification, and steam. Each system was meticulously installed and integrated, demonstrating our dedication to delivering a comprehensive, built-for-purpose product.
ELECTRICAL
The electrical scope of this project prioritized sustainable and advanced systems, ensuring quality of care, safety, flexibility, and value. Our team collaborated closely with Newfoundland Power to minimize the impact on the surrounding natural environment by designing and installing electrical services and transmission lines accordingly. We also ensured that the facility remains operational during and after catastrophic events like fires, floods, or equipment failure by implementing an emergency power system consisting of (4) generators and a load management system. In designing the electrical systems, we considered the availability of local maintenance and service expertise, location-specific constructability concerns, and the use of locally sourced labour, equipment, and materials.
Furthermore, our scope included the integration of various cutting-edge technologies. These encompassed a two-stage fire alarm system, nurse call system, security systems, lighting, DALI lighting controls, and a master clock system. We employed Plan Group's best practices and prefabrication methods to optimize efficiency and adherence to industry standards. This involved using integrated power units, FAS boxes for rough-in, modular lighting cabling, and our best practices catalogue products.
TECHNOLOGY
Our team successfully executed a range of technology solutions that will significantly improve the operational capabilities of this facility. This included implementing advanced telecom solutions and integrating the Real Time Locating System (RTL) to enable real-time location tracking—deployment of a sophisticated Distributed Antenna System (DAS), ensuring enhanced connectivity across designated areas. Every aspect, from intricate cabling within rooms to installing speakers, room booking displays, patient room displays (PRDs), mounts, racks, touch panels, and microphones, was meticulously managed to ensure an immersive patient experience.
Our work expanded further, encompassing Structured Cabling, Wireless Access Points (WAPs), RTLs, and IBTs, among other crucial components. We also integrated critical elements such as WIFI, an integration engine, bedside terminals, and Building Automation System (BAS) wiring, ensuring seamless connectivity and streamlined operations. We successfully integrated cutting-edge technology through design, programming, and commissioning, resulting in a highly efficient and advanced facility.
AN AWARD-WINNING PROJECT
Plan Group proudly received the Digital Supply Chain & Fabrication Award at the 2022 Building Transformation's Innovation Spotlight Awards for our ground-breaking Modular Racking Program at the Corner Brook Acute Care Hospital. This commitment to a global systems delivery method created a racking system that housed 65% of the building's med gas, duct, plumbing, cable tray, conduits, lighting, communication cabling, and other systems via a multiple disciplinary approach.
FACING THE CHALLENGES HEAD-ON
In November 2019, Plan Group embarked on this challenging project, fully aware of the logistical issues it presented. Situated on an island with limited local labour resources and extreme weather patterns, we knew it would require careful planning and execution.
Little did we know that our world would soon be turned upside down in March 2020, adding another level of complexity to an already complex build. When the pandemic hit, we swiftly adapted to the situation. We tackled these challenges head-on by quickly embracing technology and integrating remote work through video calls to ensure our team remained engaged and connected. This allowed us to leverage the expertise of our staff from across Canada when travel was restricted. We also prioritized local employment and procurement to mitigate further supply chain disruptions and maximized using prefabricated elements to anticipate potential issues and mitigate supply chain disruptions.
Our joint venture partnership with the Cahill Group, our local collaborator, was crucial to our success. Their extensive networks and resources proved invaluable in overcoming obstacles and ensuring project continuity.
Throughout the project, the dedication of our team was evident. Some members even relocated their families to ensure its success. Despite our numerous challenges, we remained committed to delivering a much-needed hospital to the community of Newfoundland and Labrador on schedule.
As we wrap up this project, we extend our deepest gratitude to these outstanding individuals who have been instrumental in driving the success of this project. Please join us in giving a well-deserved round of applause to:
Greg Best and Paul Jeffrey, along with their families who made the bold decision to relocate to Newfoundland in 2020, Linord Hamy (Lenny), Kyle Fudge, Sunny Ghangas, Enrico Casciato, John Cole, Dave Scott, Rick Lonsdale, Mimi Charron, Paul Foster, Jon Dejong, Ethan Lalonde, Dan Matthews, Steve Smart, Kevin Anthony, John Veltri, John Manna, and all others that put “boots on the ground” in Newfoundland.
Additionally, to everyone who contributed to bringing this state-of-the-art healthcare facility to life!
“We successfully embarked on a project amidst the challenges of a pandemic and operating in a remote location. True to our commitment, we completed and delivered the project on November 7th.”
Chris Morris – EVP, Mechanical
"We executed a complex and fully integrated multidisciplinary, design-build P3 with +1M manhours. We navigated through the unforeseen challenges of a pandemic in a remote location. We did this while maintaining build quality, navigating extreme logistical challenges, employing local tradespeople, and integrating into the community.
Despite these challenges, we delivered this project on the day we committed. This is a testament to the persistence of our team and the core belief of Plan Group. We meet our commitments, no matter the challenge."
Greg Best – Construction Manager
"This new state-of-the-art acute care hospital will provide a more modern healthcare environment for the residents of the western region. The official handing over of the building from Corner Brook Health Partnership today represents a major milestone in our continued efforts to improve healthcare service delivery in our province. We worked with community partners to deliver this project on time and on budget, and I look forward to seeing the same for our government’s other major infrastructure projects, like the new adult mental health and addictions hospital in St. John’s.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey - Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
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