The multi-million dollar construction project that began in June 2022 at Canton-Potsdam Hospital is progressing on schedule for completion this year.
The St. Lawrence Health Regional Care Pavilion at Canton-Potsdam Hospital includes four new floors, two of which will include 30 private patient rooms on each floor. It further involves the expansion of the Emergency Department with 11 new treatment rooms (for a total of 28 rooms), new emergency entrance, and a brand new main entrance with gift shop.
Pike Construction Services is the project’s construction management team, and Project Engineer Haley Meshcon noted the exterior of the new building is expected to be completed in May, with the new main entrance work and site work being finished this summer.
Interior work
The focus of work is currently on the first three floors, with the first floor being at 70 percent completion, second floor at 80 percent, and third floor at 60 percent.
“The MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) and fire protection rough-in work has been completed and we have begun work on the finishes, which includes such work as toilet accessories and outlets. Primer and the first coat of paint on nearly all of the walls have been completed,” Ms. Meshcon explained. “All of the headwalls in patient rooms are in place, cabinetry is being installed, and bathroom tiling is ongoing. We are beginning to install ceilings throughout the first three floors, and wall protection throughout the patient rooms and corridors is ongoing. The Clinical elevator for hospital employees has been installed, and crews are now working on the public elevators.
“I think the most interesting aspect of where we are currently in the project, is how the structure is really taking shape and coming to life. Seeing the paint on the walls and the cabinetry in the nurses’ stations really gives you a better sense of what the finished product will look like and how it will operate,” she added.
Since much of the work has been interior over the past few months, the mild winter has not had an impact on the exterior work being done. However, the warmer temperatures have resulted in a significant savings to the Hospital regarding heating the inside of the new structure.
“Potentially, if the nice weather holds and the ground thaws, we can have conversations about beginning some of the exterior site work earlier,” Ms. Meshcon said.
Spreading the word
Canton-Potsdam Hospital Facilities Director Dereck Dodd has lead several tours inside the new Pavilion. Whether it was board members from the hospital system, clinical and non-clinical hospital departments, dignitaries, various Potsdam Village board members, police and fire departments, or the St. Lawrence Health Patient Family Advisor Committee, he has heard high praises about the project.
“Upon touring the building, they are gleaning an appreciation for the magnitude of this project and its purpose of expanding access to trauma, emergency, and essential care. They are spreading the word to their co-workers, friends, and family about what they’ve learned; we are expanding the future of healthcare in Potsdam,” Mr. Dodd said.
There are several ways to learn more about the project online:
- Pavilion photos
- Donate to the project through the St. Lawrence Health Foundation
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