|
|
|
Red Deer Regional
Hospital Centre
Expansion Project, January 2003
-Photo Coutesy David Thompson Health Region
|
BY PETER STEVENS, P.ENG.
Chair, Central Alberta Branch
How is APEGGA's Central Alberta Branch membership like the
Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre expansion? Here's how.
One fine day recently, I happened to notice the construction
site for the expansion. A massive crane was hoisting various
supplies to the top floor. Traffic below was undisturbed,
seemingly unaware of the crane's movement. Passers-by were
unconcerned that tons of materials were suspended directly
above them.
Why? Because they were confident that the machinery was designed,
constructed and being operated safely.
I realized that same public confidence extended to the entire
expansion project. It would be very unlikely that any of the
public would actually meet any of the many APEGGA members
responsible for the successful design, construction, and operation
of the project, but people feel safe in the knowledge that
competent, professional people are doing their jobs well.
They know that a group of individuals with diverse knowledge
and skills are working as a team, with one focus - public
safety. That the allocated public funds were being spent efficiently
and effectively, without undue waste. All this, almost invisibly.
A manifestation of APEGGA's relevance to the public?
Lately, Central Alberta Branch executive has been trying
to answer two questions: how can we convince more of our members
to actively participate in improving our community and raise
public awareness of the great things we do, and why don't
we get more of our members to participate at our organized
events?
It occurred to me that, like the hospital expansion project,
members of Central Alberta Branch are far from idle. The more
I talk with members, the more I realize how many of us devote
so much of our time to actively participate in our communities:
as coaches, leaders, board members. Each contributing to building
our communities stronger, safer. All this, almost invisibly.
But not unnoticed. Thank you to all who continue to exemplify
the true meaning of professionalism and APEGGA membership.
Project Summary:
The $95.8 million expansion project will develop the vacant
third floor of the RDRHC, construct a new critical care building
and south complex building, move the Helipad closer to the
emergency department, and deconstruct the outdated general,
east complex and Dr. Richard Parsons buildings.
This will result in 84 more acute care beds, for a total of
387; 18 more ER treatment areas, for a total of 42; seven
more renal dialysis stations, for a total of 18; and 300 more
parking stalls, for a total of 1,250.
Project contractors include prime consultant Group 2 Architecture
Engineering, Interior Design; Rockliff Pierzchajlo Architects
and Planners; engineering consultants Stantec; construction
manager Stuart Olsen; and project manager Earth Tech Canada.
Special Note
Thank you to the recently announced life members in Central
Alberta, Bruce Ferguson, P.Geol., Robert McIntyre, P.Eng.,
and Clayton Ross, P.Eng., for your years of professional contributions
to society, the positive reflections you have given to APEGGA,
and continue being role models to us all.
|
