Construction currently underway at the BMP Hospital continues to proceed smoothly without any delays at this time. In fact, construction is presently considered to be somewhat ahead of schedule with the new addition (framing and exterior walls) being essentially complete. Plumbing, electrical and gas services are installed and interior wall partitions are being finished.

As of early April, progress of the project, which involves work in both the existing and new structures, is as follows:

BASEMENT

• The plumbing systems are being cleaned and new heat pumps are being installed.
• Flooring is being installed and finished.
• Structural reinforcement of the existing building is nearing completion.
• Doors and built in furnishings are being installed.

FIRST (MAIN) FLOOR

• Walls are being plastered and painted.
• Built in furnishings are being installed.

SECOND FLOOR 

• Flooring and built in furnishings are being installed and painting is underway.
• Doors, lighting fixtures and sprinkler heads are being installed.

EXTERIOR 

• Masonry and metal cladding work has resumed (this was on hold during the winter months).

At the moment, plans call for the new facilities to be open and functional by no later than November, 2010. When complete, the major achievement resulting from the monies spent and work carried out will be a new wing on the Hospital's south side adjacent to the former Emergency Unit. This involves the construction of a two-storey addition to the existing building providing roughly 27,362 square feet of additional floor space. As well, significant renovations and reconfiguration of the former Emergency Unit are being carried out.

This additional square footage will provide:

• An improved/integrated Ambulatory Centre which will provide residents with quicker access to the efficient delivery of timely, specialized medical care before their conditions deteriorate to the point where acute care is required. The aim is to enable better quality of life, keep people out of the Hospital longer and thereby allow for better use of the Hospital's resources.

• A modern and improved Emergency Unit which will help ensure that patients who are hospitalized will be treated with the best possible equipment, personnel and resources. Expansion of this Unit will encompass the reconfiguration and renovation of the 8,608 square feet of the previous Unit as well as an additional 6,871 square feet within the new Ambulatory Centre. The basement area of the addition/expansion is also being configured to house support services for the Unit.

In carrying out this expansion considerable attention has been given to satisfying patients' needs and requirements and, in many instances, the new facilities will exceed existing medical norms. Additionally, the new wing has been constructed so as to more readily facilitate potential future expansion on a third floor (above the new wing now underway).

A number of units within the Hospital have been temporarily relocated in order to enable construction work to proceed. Hospital employees, clients and the general public are thanked for their patience and understanding during these inconveniences.