BETTER TOGETHER CAMPAIGN PROGRESS

The total cost of the project is estimated at $21 million. Riverwood has received a $12 million low-interest loan from the United States Department of Agriculture and an additional $4 million in financing from AgStar Financial. While it was originally planned to proceed with the expansion and upgrades in phases, we have determined that Riverwood will realize $6 million in cost savings by moving forward with the entire project now due to the availability of financing at unprecedented low interest rates.

Community support is a key component of the overall financing package. Our goal is to secure at least $2.2 million for this important project through the Better Together Capital Campaign.

Campaign Update:

Total Project Cost: $21 million

Our Fundraising Goal: At least $2.2 million

Amount Raised to Date: $1,835,568

$1.8M

$2.0M

GOAL

Construction Update:

Week #91 – February 15, 2013

PROGRESS

For the next two months, renovation work will be focused on just two areas—our main lobby and kitchen/dining area.

Kitchen and cafeteria renovations got under way this week. The main entrance to the cafeteria will remain closed until Feb. 25. During the next phase of construction from March 11 until April 8, work in the dining room will require the temporary use of conference rooms C & D. So any meetings scheduled in C or D during this 4-week period will need to be rescheduled to an alternate meeting room.

Phase 2 of Main Lobby renovations to start. Next week, our new front desk reception and five patient check-in stations will open on Feb. 19. The second phase of construction work to replace flooring and wall coverings for the lobby waiting areas will take place in phases. From Feb. 18 through March 1, there will be no lobby access to the emergency room, and patients will be escorted to an alternate entrance in the hospital’s main corridor. For a two-week period from the first week in March to March 15, the main entrance and entry area will be closed from 5 p.m. until 5 a.m. Signs will direct patients and visitors to an alternate entrance and exit during this evening and overnight period. Staff escorts will be on hand to guide patients and visitors as needed.

The projected completion date for our entire hospital expansion project is mid-May.

Week #90 – February 8, 2013

PROGRESS

Kitchen and cafeteria renovations to start Feb. 11. The main entrance to the cafeteria will be closed for two weeks starting Mon., Feb. 11. An alternate entrance will be set up through the adjacent conference room A-B, marked with signage. During the next phase (late February into March), work in the dining room will require the temporary use of conference rooms C-D. These renovations are expected to reach completion in early April.

Phase 2 of Main Lobby renovations to start. The week of Feb. 18-22, our new front desk reception and five patient check-in stations will open, and the second phase of construction work to replace flooring and wall coverings for the lobby waiting areas will begin, with work taking place in phases. From Feb. 18 through March 1, there will be no lobby access to the emergency room, and patients will be escorted to an alternate entrance in the hospital’s main corridor. For a two-week period from the first week in March to March 15, the main entrance and entry area will be closed from 5 p.m. until 5 a.m. Signs will direct patients and visitors to an alternate entrance and exit during this evening and overnight period. Staff escorts will be on hand to guide patients and visitors as needed.

Surgery Department renovations completed first week in February. Pending final inspections, all three operating rooms will be available again beginning Feb. 11.

Week #86 – January 11, 2013

PROGRESS

Inpatient unit now complete with 25 single patient rooms. The final six patient rooms that were retrofitted to match the new single rooms opened Jan. 7.

Main lobby renovation work is continuing. The next phase of renovations for the lobby areas heavily used by patients/visitors is anticipated to get under way the first week in February, at which time the new clinic reception area with five new stations for patient check-in will open. The target date for completion of all main lobby renovations is mid- to late March.

Surgery department renovations are continuing. Renovation work on the operating rooms, storage and decontamination areas will finish up the last week in January.

Kitchen and cafeteria renovations to start Feb. 4. The cafeteria will be sectioned off for this work and an adjacent conference room will be used as needed for access during a 1-2 week period when the main entrance to the cafeteria closes. These renovations are expected to reach completion in early April.

The projected completion date for our entire hospital expansion project is mid-May.

Week #81 – December 7, 2012

PROGRESS

Our Lab move into its newly renovated permanent space is complete. Beginning Dec. 7, patient lab draws will move from the Aitkin clinic to the lab.

Rehabilitation area finishing work is nearly complete. The installation of ceiling panels around the reception area was completed Dec. 5 and an area of old carpeting in the gym area will be replaced next week.

Retrofitting of inpatient rooms/hallway is nearing completion. The six patient rooms in the hallway now closed for the renovations are nearly complete and expected to open in late December or the first week in January.

Main lobby renovation work to continue until mid-February. The next phase of renovations for the lobby areas heavily used by patients/visitors is anticipated to get under way in early January, pending pre-work planning with the departments involved next week. The target date for completion of all main lobby renovations is mid-February. The move of our Diabetes Education and Wound Care departments from Outpatient Services to the hospital has been postponed to the end of February, pending completion of the lobby renovations.

Planning for intensive work in Surgery area is under way. Beginning Jan. 4, various phases of construction will proceed in the Surgery department through the whole month of January. The storage and decontamination areas are being reconfigured and each of our three operating rooms (OR) will be updated with new wall coverings, cabinetry and shelving. Only one OR will be closed at a time with two available through this period.

Week #80 – November 30, 2012

PROGRESS

Lab to move into its newly renovated space. On Dec. 5-6, the lab will be moving to its 1^st floor permanent location. The lab will be down most of Dec. 5 but should be up and running by the late afternoon, pending sensitive lab analyzer equipment getting ready to go again.

Final floor and ceiling work for Rehabilitation area to be completed in early December. Work includes installation of ceiling panels around the reception area and replacement of an area of old carpeting.

Hospital hallway flooring work is nearly complete. The only remaining carpeting to be laid is a short stretch of hallway across from the nursing station.

Retrofitting of inpatient rooms/hallway is nearing completion. The six patient rooms in the hallway now closed for the renovations are expected to open in late December, which will bring us up to 25 private inpatient rooms at last!

Main lobby renovation work is proceeding. The lobby renovation work behind the sheetrock wall is estimated to reach completion in mid-February. Planning will soon be under way for how to handle renovations for the lobby areas outside the area now under construction and heavily used by patients/visitors.

Week #76 – November 2, 2012

PROGRESS

Hospital hallway renovations are progressing

Installation of new carpeting flooring on our hospital hallways is moving right along on schedule. Phase #2 is reaching completion today, Nov. 2, with the hallway from surgery waiting to the nursing station opening by noon. Kristine Layne and Jackie Wagner will move back to their HNS offices on Mon., Nov. 5.

Week #75 – October 26, 2012

PROGRESS

Hospital hallway renovations are under way

There have been a few changes in timing of hospital hallway closures as described below. Designated employees will continue to provide escort service for patients and visitors. New signage will direct traffic flow around the closed hallway. Click here for an updated floor plan map (posted on Sharepoint) showing the phases and exact locations.

No hallways will remain blocked off over a weekend.

Week #74 – October 18, 2012

PROGRESS

Main lobby renovation: Construction work is proceeding behind a walled-in area for our renovated lobby with temporary work stations for admitting, clinic check-in and volunteers staffing the information desk.
Hospital hallway renovations: Beginning Oct. 22 through the end of November, work will take place in phases to install new flooring and new wall coverings in the hospital hallways to match the look of the our new inpatient unit. This work will require alternate routes to get to various departments. See more details below. We’re notifying the public via a news release to publish Oct. 24 & 25 and via our website. Designated employees will help with patient escorting, and signage will offer direction on alternate routes during the temporary hallway closures.

Week #71 – September 27, 2012

PROGRESS

Inpatient: The six remaining semi-private rooms are being retrofitted to match the new single room design, with construction work continuing through the fall.
Main lobby renovation: Work to start the first week in October with areas of construction walled off. See more info below.
Surgical Services: Furniture is due to arrive next week for the new surgery consultation rooms.
Wound Care and Diabetes Education: Completion is expected in October but move-in will be delayed until January due to the renovation work in the main lobby.
Rehabilitation: Some finishing work, such as installation of carpeting and ceiling panels, will be scheduled in the next month.
Lab: The newly renovated space is estimated to reach completion by early December.

Week #69 – September 14, 2012

PROGRESS

Inpatient: Five newly renovated single patient rooms opened in the west hallway Sept. 10. The hallway with the remaining semi-private rooms will close for retrofitting of these rooms the week of Sept. 17-21. Construction will continue in this area for several months.
Main lobby renovation: Work to start the first week in October with areas of construction walled off.
Surgical Services: The new consultation rooms are completed and awaiting furnishings. The new locker rooms will open in a few weeks.
Wound Care and Diabetes Education: The area is painted and ceilings are going in. Completion is expected in October but move-in will be delayed until January due to the renovation work in the main lobby.
Rehabilitation: Some finishing work, such as installation of carpeting and ceiling panels, is still pending.
Lab: The newly renovated space is estimated to reach completion by early December.

Week #67 – August 30, 2012

PROGRESS

The inpatient rooms in the west hallway (former OB area) are reaching completion and will open September 10. The hallway with the remaining semi-private rooms will close for retrofitting of these rooms the 3^rd week in September.
The surgery department renovation with new consultation rooms and new locker rooms will open in a few weeks.
The new wound care area is progressing with painting and ceiling installation to take place the first week in September.
Main lobby renovation: Work to start the first week in October with areas of construction walled off.

Week #66 – August 23, 2012

PROGRESS

The inpatient rooms in the west hallway (formerOB area) are reaching completion and will open September 7 or 10.
The surgery department renovation with new consultation rooms and new locker rooms will open the last week in August.
The newly renovated Rehabilitation lobby and reception area opened this week. See photos here.

Week #65 – August 16, 2012

PROGRESS

Work on the retrofitting of inpatient rooms in the hallway west of the former nursing station (former OB area) will finish the last week in August with 5 new single patient rooms to open the first week in September.
The newly renovated rehabilitation reception and lobby area will open Aug. 20. The temporary wall will come down Aug. 17, and patients and employees will be able to use the regular rehabilitation north entrance beginning Aug. 20.

The surgery department renovation with new consultation rooms and new locker rooms will open the last week in August.

Week #64 – August 9, 2012

PROGRESS

The new pharmacy opened the last week in July. The old pharmacy space is being renovated for expansion of our lab.
Work on the retrofitting of inpatient rooms in the hallway west of the former nursing station (former OB area) will finish the last week in August with 5 new single patient rooms to open the first week in September. This brings the number of single-occupancy patient rooms for our hospital to 19 with 6 rooms left to be retrofitted this fall.
The surgery department renovation with new consultation rooms and new locker rooms will open in about two weeks. The larger waiting lobby is now complete.
The newly renovated rehabilitation reception and lobby area will open the week of Aug. 20-24.

Week #61 – July 17, 2012

PROGRESS

The new pharmacy is nearly completed in the former ICU space and the pharmacy will move in next week by July 27.
Work is nearing completion for the retrofitting of inpatient rooms in the hallway west of the former nursing station. Temporary walls are scheduled to come down in this area July 30-31 with 5 additional single occupancy rooms opening the first week in August. This brings the number of single-occupancy patient rooms for our hospital to 19 with 6 rooms left to be retrofitted this fall.
The surgery department renovation with new consultation rooms, larger lobby and new locker rooms is reaching completion as well by the first week in August.
Renovation work continues in the Rehabilitation reception and lobby area with completion by mid-August.

Week #60 – July 12, 2012

PROGRESS

The support services wing is fully occupied by staff now with new conference rooms E, F, G (1^st flr) and I (2^nd flr) open and available for scheduling in Outlook. The Mike Ryan memorial plaque in the lobby will be unveiled in a dedication ceremony on July 29.
The new pharmacy is nearing completion and expected to open in the former ICU space by the end of July.
The surgery department renovation with new consultation rooms, larger lobby and new locker rooms is scheduled for completion the first week in August.
Work is continuing on the retrofitting of inpatient rooms in the hallway west of the former nursing station with completion expected by early August.
The Rehabilitation reception and lobby area is being renovated and expected to reach completion by mid-August.
Renovation work is proceeding in the former HIS space for the new wound care clinic and diabetes education center.
The Lab has temporarily relocated to the 2^nd floor of Support Services wing with patients seen in a clinic exam room for blood draws. The Lab is being enlarged to include the former infusion space.

Week #55 – June 11, 2012

PROGRESS

Main entrance area: Installation of the new Riverwood sign above the drive-through canopy is scheduled for June 11.
The support services wing is set to be fully occupied on Mon., June 18. The HIS move took place June 8-10 and theSupportServicesBuilding move will take place June 15-17.
For the surgery department, renovation of the locker rooms and former surgery waiting area continues.
Work is proceeding on renovations for the new pharmacy, expected to open in the former ICU space by July 28.
Work is continuing on the retrofitting of inpatient rooms in the hallway west of the nursing station with completion expected by the end of July or early August.
Demolition work will begin in the former HIS space for our new wound care clinic and diabetes education center the week of June 11-15.

Week #54 – June 1, 2012

PROGRESS

Main entrance area: Installation of the new Riverwood sign above the drive-through canopy is scheduled for June 5 and 11. There will be a lift stationed to one side of the canopy drive-thru, but we don’t anticipate any change in traffic flow during the sign installation.
For the support services wing, final finishing work continues with installation of office work stations under way to prepare for move in from HIS, IT and departments now located in SSB. These department staff will all be moved into the new wing by June 18.
For the surgery department, renovation of the locker rooms and former surgery waiting area continues.
Work is proceeding on renovations for the new pharmacy, expected to open in the former ICU space by July 28.
Work is continuing on the retrofitting of inpatient rooms in the hallway west of the nursing station with completion expected by the end of July or early August.

Week #53 – May 26, 2012

PROGRESS

Main entrance area: Installation of the new Riverwood sign above the drive-through canopy is scheduled for June 5 and 11.
For the support services wing, final finishing work continues to prepare for move in from HIS, IT and departments now located in SSB.
For the surgery department, renovation of the locker rooms and former surgery waiting area continues. New furniture is now in the new waiting lobby.
Work is proceeding on renovations for the new pharmacy next to the inpatient floor and on inpatient rooms retrofitting in the west corridor.

Week #52 – May 21, 2012

PROGRESS

For the support services wing, the construction crew is nearing completion of the final finishing work for both floors. The medical records department move will take place the weekend of June 8-10 with Support Services Building and IT departments move scheduled for June 15-17.
For the surgery department, renovation of the locker rooms across from the Radiology department will begin this week and renovation of the former surgery waiting area continues.
Work is proceeding on renovations for the new pharmacy next to the inpatient floor and on inpatient rooms retrofitting in the west corridor.

Week #51 – May 10, 2012

PROGRESS

For the inpatient area, construction will begin soon to retrofit the former birthing rooms and will continue through the summer to redo the remaining semi-private rooms.
Work is proceeding on renovations for the new pharmacy next to the inpatient floor.
For the support services wing, finishing work continues on both floors. In the weeks ahead, sidewalks and curbs will be poured along with tarring of the adjacent road and parking spaces.
For the surgery department, renovation continues. Noise levels are down after demolition work in former lobby this week.

Week #50 – May 7, 2012

PROGRESS

For the inpatient area, demolition of the former inpatient rooms in the west hallway is now completed and retrofitting of these rooms will begin. The former ICU area has been gutted and work is proceeding on renovations for the new pharmacy location.
For the support services addition, finishing work continues and move-in plans are under way for mid-June.
For the surgery department, renovation continues with temporary walls up in the hallway outside the former waiting lobby.

Week #49 – April 27, 2012

PROGRESS

The inpatient addition is now open and work has begun in the far west corridor (where birthing suites were located) on conversion of the remaining semi-private rooms to look like the new ones.
For the support services addition, finishing work continues and move-in plans are under way for mid-June.
For the surgery department, renovation continues with temporary walls up in the hallway outside the former waiting lobby. The new larger lobby opened this week.

Week #48 – April 20, 2012

PROGRESS

The inpatient addition is complete! Move in of patients will take place on Mon., April 23. Renovation of the existing inpatient space and semi-private rooms will begin next week and continue through the summer.
For the support services addition, finishing work continues and move-in plans are under way for mid-June.
For the surgery department renovation, the new family waiting room is completed and move-in will take place April 23. Renovations will continue in the surgery area over the next few months.

Week #47 – April 12, 2012

PROGRESS

For the inpatient addition, sofa sleepers were installed in patient rooms and some minor finishing details are in process this week. On April 23, patients will transfer from our existing semi-private rooms to the new single rooms.
For the support services addition, floor coverings will be installed on the first floor next week and painting and stonework will get underway in the front entrance area.
For the surgery department renovation, as the new family waiting room and two new consult rooms reach completion early next week, the temporary wall in the hospital corridor will come down.
The new expansion space for rehabilitation department is now complete. After the existing lobby for this area is enlarged in the next month or so, ourMinnesotaCenter for Orthopaedics (MCO) specialists—Dr. Chough, Dr. Severson and Tom Lewandowski, PA—will begin seeing patients in the new exam rooms in June.

WEEK #45 - march 27, 2012

PROGRESS:

For the inpatient addition, the patient rooms are being cleaned and new photo artwork (of beautiful flowers) is on the walls. On April 23, patients will transfer from our existing semi-private rooms to the new single rooms.
For the support services addition, cabinet installation and painting of walls continues.
For the surgery department renovation, vinyl wall covering is going in for the new waiting lobby and construction continues in this area.

Open House, April 18, 4-7 PM

Invite your friends and family to come to our Open House to see the new inpatient area and other renovations with the completion of the first phase of our construction project. No need to RSVP. Refreshments will be served in our main hospital lobby. A few days before the event, watch for an email from Plant about staff parking to ensure we leave space for visitors.

WEEK #41 - March 2, 2012

PROGRESS:

For the inpatient addition, the patient rooms are being prepared for final cleaning and inspections. New photo artwork will be installed next week. On April 23, patients will transfer from our existing semi-private rooms to the new single rooms.

For the support services addition, cabinets are being installed and painting of walls continues.

For the rehabilitation department, temporary walls separating the existing service area from the new space will come down March 24.

For the surgery department renovation, new walls are now up in former cardiopulmonary area for the new waiting lobby and construction continues.

WEEK #40 - FEBRUary 24, 2012

PROGRESS:

For the inpatient addition, cabinet installation is completed and doors to go in next week. The air handling and water systems will be up and running the week of March 5-9.

For the support services addition, painting of walls continues.

For the surgery department renovation, sheetrocking will start on Feb. 27.

For the main entrance, some work continues to prepare for the new sign installation.

WEEK #39 - FEBRUARY 17, 2012

PROGRESS:

For the inpatient addition, this area will look dramatically different in a week after ceiling grids go in next week and vinyl floors are installed.

For the support services addition, painting and ceiling work is under way on the second floor and taping of walls continues on the ground floor.

For the surgery department renovation, a plastic hallway barrier has gone up and work is under way on the new waiting room.

For the main entrance, preparation continues for the new larger Riverwood sign.

WEEK #38 - FEBRUARY 10, 2012

PROGRESS:

For the inpatient addition, vinyl floors are going in next week and installation of ceiling grids continues.

For the support services addition, painting and ceiling work is beginning on the second floor. Sheetrocking and taping of walls continues on first floor. Electrical and mechanical work is ongoing.

For the surgery department renovation, framing of the new waiting room will begin next week.

For the main entrance, stone work is continuing.

Week #37 - February 3, 2012

PROGRESS:

The new infusion addition for chemotherapy treatment and renovated Respiratory Therapy opened Feb. 2!

For the inpatient addition, finishing work such as wallpapering of patient rooms is under way. Ceiling lifts will be installed next week.

For the support services addition, sheetrocking on the first floor continues and tile is beginning to go in the bathrooms. Electrical and mechanical work is under way.

For the main entrance, work is continuing with the installation of stone panels.

week #36 - January 26, 2012

PROGRESS:

For the inpatient addition, mechanical work and installation of data lines and cabling for patient rooms continues.

For the infusion addition and Respiratory Therapy renovation, final finishing work such as installation of carpeting is under way.

For the support services addition, framing is now completed on the ground floor and sheetrocking of walls is under way. Electrical and mechanical work is taking place as well.

WEEK #35 - JANUARY 20, 2012

PROGRESS:

For the inpatient addition, finishing work on patient rooms continues.

For the infusion addition and Respiratory Therapy renovation, interior finishing work continues with an anticipated move-in to these new spaces the first week in February.

For the support services addition, sheetrocking is now completed on the second floor and framing is almost complete on the ground floor.

WEEK #34 - january 12, 2012

PROGRESS:

For the inpatient addition, finishing work on patient rooms continues. Interior windows for the nurse viewing stations are being installed and tile work is proceeding for the bathrooms.

For the infusion addition and Respiratory Therapy renovation, interior finishing continues with doorknobs and hardware being installed. Plumbing fixtures will be installed in the infusion area next week. These areas are on track for completion by Feb. 1.

For the support services addition, sheetrocking is 90% complete on the second floor and framing is 95% complete on the ground floor. The remaining windows are being installed on the south and west sides of this wing.

Week #33 – JANUARY 9, 2012

PROGRESS:

For the inpatient addition, finishing work on patient rooms continues. Windows for the nurse viewing stations are being installed and tile work is proceeding for the bathrooms.

For the infusion addition and Respiratory Therapy renovation, the ceiling grids are up and painting of walls continues.

For the support services addition, sheetrocking is nearly completed on the second floor and stud walls are 75% complete on the ground floor.

WEEK #32 – DECEMBER 29, 2011

PROGRESS:

For the inpatient addition, finishing work on patient rooms continues and cabinents will be installed soon.

For the infusion addition, roughing in of ceilings is starting and installation of cabinets will begin soon.

For support services addition, framing continues on the first floor with sheetrocking of walls on the second floor. Cement for the stairway between the two floors will be poured next week.

Week #31 – DECEMBER 22, 2011

PROGRESS:

For the inpatient addition, finishing work on patient rooms continues.

For the infusion addition and the Respiratory Therapy renovation, walls are being painted.

For the support services addition, windows are going in on the ground floor on the east, south and west and framing continues. On the second floor, sheetrocking continues with rough-ins for mechanicals beginning.

Week #30 – DECEMBER 16, 2011

PROGRESS:

For the inpatient addition, finishing work on patient rooms continues.

For the infusion addition and the Respiratory Therapy renovation, taping of walls continues.

For the support services addition, framing of rooms/offices continues.

Week #29 – DECEMBER 9, 2011

PROGRESS:

For the inpatient addition, finishing work on patient rooms continues with wallpaper going up in ICU and the installation of cabinets.

For the infusion addition, sheetrocking is finishing up with taping of walls to begin next week.

For the support services addition, framing of rooms is beginning on the first floor next week and the installation of windows on the north wall will soon be underway.

Week #28 – DECEMBER 1, 2011

PROGRESS:

For the inpatient addition, painting and tile setting for the patient rooms will begin in the next week.

For the infusion addition, sheetrocking of walls will begin next week.

For the support services addition, steel framing for the second floor is reaching completion. Windows will go in on the north side of the wing, and the scaffolding and plastic around the exterior will come down in the next week.

Week #27 – NOVEMBER 18, 2011

PROGRESS:

For the inpatient addition, sheetrocking continues for the patient rooms.

For the infusion addition, wall blocking continues.

For the support services addition, steel framing for interior walls continues.

Week #26 – NOVEMBER 11, 2011

PROGRESS:

For the inpatient addition, crews are finishing sheetrocking and door jams in the ICU area and will move into the rest of the inpatient area to continue this work.

For the infusion addition, wiring and in-wall blocking is underway.

For the support services addition, framing of interior walls on the second floor is beginning.

Week #25 – NOVEMBER 4, 2011

PROGRESS:

For the inpatient addition, sheetrocking of the interior walls continues as well as mechanical work.

For the infusion addition, windows are now installed and blocking of interior walls will begin next week. An electrical project to connect power for this addition was completed the evening of Nov. 3.

For the support services addition, masonry work continues and a finish is going on the exterior walls next week. All open areas for windows and doors will be enclosed with plastic by Nov. 11.

Week #24 – OCTOBER 27, 2011

PROGRESS:

For the inpatient addition, mechanical work for the interior rooms is proceeding.

For the infusion addition, interior mechanical work continues.

For the support services addition, framing of interior walls will begin soon.

All external holes for windows and doors in the infusion and support services additions will be closed up before the snow flies. Windows are already installed in the inpatient addition.

ADMINISTRATION DEMOLITION: Demolition of the administration office area did not begin this week after all as the construction crew was busy with exterior work to take advantage of the nice weather. The demolition will take place Nov. 1-4. There will be some noise as sheetrock walls are taken down but there should be no major disruptions for staff or patients. Partitions at each end of the administration hallway will completely close off the area. There will still be access to the mailroom through the main hospital corridor.

Week #23 – October 21, 2011

PROGRESS:

For the inpatient addition, interior sheetrocking is proceeding.

For the infusion addition, interior mechanical work continues.

For the support services addition, waterproofing of exterior walls is underway and the cyclone fencing to close off this construction zone will go back up.

Week #22 – October 14, 2011

PROGRESS:

For the inpatient addition, the exterior brick work in complete and interior sheetrocking has begun.

For the infusion addition, the exterior brick and stone work is complete and interior mechanical work continues.

For the support services addition, exterior Dens glass sheeting is up on the north side and west walls are now up. This same work will continue on the south and east sides next week.

Week #21 – October 6, 2011

PROGRESS:

For the inpatient addition, the interior wall framing continues and windows are going in. Mechanical, plumbing, and electrical work on the interior will continue in the months ahead.

For the infusion addition, the exterior brick work has begun and interior wall framing is under way.

For the support services addition, the exterior cement wall on the north side facing the hospital went up this week and cement work on other walls will continue.

Week #20 – September 30, 2011

PROGRESS:

For the inpatient addition, the interior wall framing is continuing and windows will be going in during the next week. Mechanical, plumbing, and electrical work on the interior will continue in the months ahead.

For the infusion addition, interior wall framing will continue.

For the support services addition, cement/masonry work will intensify over the next few weeks as exterior walls start to go up.

ADMINISTRATION MOVE: Mike Hagen, Mike Delfs and Connie Gretschman will relocate to our Support Services building during the week of Oct. 10-14. They will remain there until our new addition for support services opens in the spring. Their phone numbers will remain the same. Demolition of the current administrative offices will begin the week of October 24-28.

Thanks for your patience as our expansion project moves ahead!

Week #19 – September 23, 2011

PROGRESS:

For the inpatient addition, the interior wall framing is continuing. Mechanical, plumbing, and electrical work on the interior will continue in the months ahead.

For the infusion addition, wall framing is beginning. Next week, an east wall for a dead-end hallway in the ER will be demolished for the installation of a door.

For the support services addition, metal stud framing and cement pouring for the metal decks is continuing. The goal is to have this addition entirely enclosed by the first week in November.

Week #18 – September 16, 2011

PROGRESS:

For the inpatient addition, the interior wall framing is starting now that the fireproofing had been completed. Inside carpentry, mechanical, and plumbing is ongoing.

For the infusion addition, the roof is on and wall framing is beginning.

For the support services addition, the structural framework for the two-story building is in place and cement pouring for the metal decks is underway. The goal is to have this addition entirely enclosed by the first week in November.

Week #17 – September 9, 2011

PROGRESS:

For the inpatient addition, roofing will finish up within the week and fireproofing of walls is proceeding. Inside carpentry, mechanical, and plumbing is ongoing.

For the infusion addition, the roof will go on in the next week.

For the support services addition, the structural steel framework for this two-story wing is now in place and metal decking will be added next week. Pouring of concrete for the floors will begin in mid-September.

There are no new photos this week.

MAIN ENTRANCE WORK: Construction work on the roof canopy will wrap up the week of September 12-16 and scaffolding will come down. The drive-through lane will re-open in mid-week. In 6-8 weeks, work will resume in this area to install metal panels.

NORTHEAST PARKING AREA: Next week cement curbs for the island areas will be poured with loss of just one handicapped parking space.

Thanks for your patience during this first phase of construction activity!

Week #15 – August 26, 2011

PROGRESS:

For the inpatient addition, roofing will continue for the next several weeks, along with exterior brick work. Inside carpentry, mechanical, and plumbing is also ongoing.

For the infusion addition, waterproofing will start next week, along with continued steel work around and above the main entrance canopy area.

For the support services addition, backfilling is almost completed. Below-grade masonry, plumbing, and electrical is 75% complete. Structural steel will begin going up and you’ll be able to see the outline of the 2-story building by mid-September.

STORM SEWER WORK: Storm sewer work near the infusion addition will finish up this week and begin next week in the northeast area of the parking lot. The NORTH parking lot entrance will be widened and will remain open during this work. Several gravel islands will be removed from this patient and visitor area of the parking lot. Proceed with caution when walking or driving through this area while the construction crew is working.

MAIN ENTRANCE WORK: Work will continue on the main entrance canopy for a few more weeks. Hospital Nursing will continue to schedule a nurse’s aide to assist patients at the entrance during peak hours.

Week #14 – August 18, 2011

PROGRESS: For the inpatient addition, roofing will start next week.

For the infusion addition, work is on hold pending the arrival of a column and beam for installation in late August.

For the support services addition, cement pouring for footings continues and exterior walls will soon be going up.

MAIN ENTRANCE WORK: Beginning Aug. 24, we will be closing the drive-up lane under the entrance canopy for about three weeks as more work takes place on the enlarged main entrance steel framework. The main entrance will remain open with the drive-up for dropping off and picking up patients one lane further to the east. Hospital Nursing will schedule a nurse’s aide to be available to assist patients at the entrance as needed during peak hours the first few days and as needed during this construction work.

REMINDER: The area to the WEST of the hospital still remains closed to bikers and walkers as this is an active construction zone.

Week #13 – August 11, 2011

PROGRESS: For the inpatient addition, roofing will begin next week. Work on the courtyard continues with black dirt being moved in and paving to begin soon. For the infusion addition, waterproofing is set to begin and installation of a column and beam will occur in later August. For the support services addition, within the next two weeks cement pouring for footings and backfilling will finish up.

Week #12 – August 4, 2011

PROGRESS: For the inpatient addition, brick work for the inpatient court yard will continue into next week. In the next week or so, three new patient rooms (regular inpatient, ICU, and birthing/LDRP) will be mocked up for determining exact locations for outlets and life support plug-ins. For the infusion addition, the cement block walls are up, the span Crete roof is in place, and the concrete floor will be poured. For the support services addition, work on pouring footings and below-grade cement block will continue.

PHYSICAL CHANGES AT HOSPITAL OR GROUNDS: On August 5, the hospital patient room, #608, at the far end of the hall toward the Rehabilitation department will be closed to allow access for construction work on the new inpatient single rooms.

MAIN ENTRANCE WORK: Later this month, we anticipate that we will have to close the drive-up lane under the entrance canopy for TWO days as more work takes place on the enlarged main entrance steel framework. Kraus-Anderson advises we should be able to use the walk-through scaffolding and avoid having to close the main entrance again.

Week #11 – July 28, 2011

PROGRESS: For the inpatient and infusion/chemotherapy additions, pre-cast concrete has been set. Brick work for the inpatient court yard will begin next week. For the support services addition, the work on pouring footings and below-grade cement block will continue. MRI and cafeteria areas will be backfilled next week. The work on the front entrance canopy for overhead signage will be complete the end of day Friday and the main entrance will re-open. Thank you for your patience and teamwork on the temporary alternative entrance.

FIRE ALARMS: During the construction period, we are required to increase our fire drills from once to twice a month. Thank you for your continued participation and patience with these drills.

Thanks for your patience during this first phase of construction activity!

Week #10 – July 22, 2011

PROGRESS: For the inpatient and infusion/chemotherapy additions, pre-cast concrete roofing will go up next week. For the support services addition, work on pouring footings and below-grade cement block will continue.

PHYSICAL CHANGES AT HOSPITAL OR GROUNDS: The cement block walls are now up for the infusion/chemotherapy addition.

Main Entrance temporary closing: As announced in our Update last week and in the local media this week, from July 25 to 29 steel beam work near the main entrance will require temporary use of an alternate entrance/exit to the hospital and clinic. Several 35-ft. steel beams will be put in place across the canopy (roof area) for our main entrance to support a new larger Riverwood sign that will signal the main entrance to the public.

Signs will direct patients and visitors to the Specialty Clinic entrance to the right (or north) of the main entrance. Volunteers will be stationed in the Specialty Clinic lobby to direct patients and visitors. In addition, a nursing assistant will be assigned to the entrance from 7 AM to 3:30 PM daily to offer any special assistance that patients may require in the parking lot or facility.

The main entrance may be used when construction activity for the day is completed or not yet started, after 5 p.m. and before 7 a.m. From 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the 5-day period, the main entrance will be unavailable.

Limited access to ATM in the main entrance: You will not be able to access the ATM during the hours of 7 AM to 5 PM, July 25-29, due to the closure of the main entrance and construction work in this area.

Week #9 – July 14, 2011

PROGRESS: Construction work continues to move along well for our three additions. For the inpatient addition, most of the concrete work is done and structural steel supports are being set. For the infusion/chemotherapy addition, masonry work for above-grade walls has begun and should be completed next week. For the support services addition, footings were poured for the north wall and will continue for the other walls.

PHYSICAL CHANGES AT HOSPITAL OR GROUNDS:From July 25 to 29, steel beam work near the main entrance will require temporary use of an alternate entrance/exit to the hospital and clinic. Signs will direct patients and visitors to the specialty Clinic entrance to the right (or north) of the main entrance. Volunteers will be stationed in the Specialty Clinic lobby to direct patients and visitors. In addition, a nursing assistant will be assigned to the entrance during daytime hours to offer any special assistance that patients may require in the parking lot or facility.

We will call those patients who have scheduled appointments for clinic, surgery or any other services at the Aitkin clinic or hospital the last week in July to inform them of this change. To alert the public, we are placing an announcement in the local media next week and posting this news on our website homepage.

Thanks for your patience during this first phase of construction activity!

Week #8 – July 8, 2011

PROGRESS: Construction work is progressing very well for all three addition areas. For the inpatient addition, cement block work will continue with structural steel being put in place about July 13. For the infusion/chemotherapy addition, below-grade backfilling was completed this week and plumbing installation will start July 11. For the support services addition, footings will be poured next week and work will begin to tie this addition into existing storm sewer lines.

PHYSICAL CHANGES AT HOSPITAL OR GROUNDS: Chain link fencing now encloses the construction zone for the support services addition.

CAFETERIA exit door: The area outside the cafeteria is now a construction zone so use of this door to the south grounds is for “emergency exit only” in the months ahead.

Brief temporary closing of Main Entrance in a few weeks. We are planning for closing our main entrance for 3-4 days while steel beam work takes place in this area. We will be using the door to the Specialty Clinic lobby as a temporary entrance/exit for patients as well as staff. Timing for this is estimated to be around last few days of July-first week in August. We’ll share more information on this with our staff and with the public as timing becomes clear.

POINT OF INTEREST: Riverwood is working with quite a few local businesses on our expansion and renovation project. Local subcontractors include Dutch’s Electric, Lundberg Plumbing & Heating, Dale Lundquist Excavating, Anderson Brothers, Mike Johnson Excavating, Cemstone & Knife River Redi-Mix, Rice Lake Contracting (Deerwood, for the masonry). We are purchasing lumber from Hometown and Cedarbrook as well as miscellaneous hardware from Hyytinen’s and TrueValue.

Thanks for your patience during this first phase of construction activity!

Week #7 – June 30, 2011

PROGRESS: All three addition areas will be very busy with lots of cement-pouring activity in the week ahead. For the inpatient addition, cement pouring for slab on-grade floors will take place July 5-6. For the infusion/chemotherapy addition, below-grade backfilling will continue next week. For the support services addition, continued excavation and pouring of footings will start next week.

PHYSICAL CHANGES AT HOSPITAL OR GROUNDS: The north doors of the ambulance garage have been removed and block walls are going up to fill this space.

SOUTH entrance (near HR office/Conf Rms C-D) Emergency Exit Only. Excavation in this area has begun so this is now an “emergency exit only” for the months ahead.

Week #6 – June 23, 2011

PROGRESS: For the inpatient addition, underground plumbing and masonry work continued. The rain caused a delay in work for the infusion/chemotherapy addition. The removal of the north doors of the ambulance garage will now happen early next week. For the support services addition, dirt-moving activities will begin next week and excavation for footings will follow.

PHYSICAL CHANGES AT HOSPITAL OR GROUNDS: The sidewalk on the south side of the hospital, from the parking lot to the entrance near Conf Rms C-D, was delayed due to the rainy conditions and will be removed June 27-28.

Construction activity near main entrance: This area will be quite busy June 27-July 1 with forklifts moving in and out as masonry work resumes in this area. Use extra caution when walking or driving near the main entrance.

Week #5 – June 16, 2011

PROGRESS: For the inpatient addition, underground plumbing and electrical work will continue into next week. For the infusion/chemotherapy addition, concrete for footings will be poured Friday, June 17, and below-grade masonry work will continue next week along with the removal of the north doors of the ambulance garage. For the support services addition, dirt-moving activities will begin next week and excavation for footings will follow.

PHYSICAL CHANGES AT HOSPITAL OR GROUNDS: The sidewalk on the south side of the hospital, from the parking lot to the entrance near Conf Rms C-D, will be removed June 23. Fencing will go up around this construction site by the last week in June.

Construction activity near main entrance: On Friday, June 17, concrete pouring will take place between 10 AM and noon so take extra caution when walking or driving near the main entrance. This will be a busy area and the construction crew will be taking special precautions to have spotters monitoring at all times when trucks or other vehicles are backing up.

Week #4 – June 9, 2011

PROGRESS: Footings for the inpatient addition are completed and upper walls will start to go up next week. For the infusion/chemotherapy addition near the main entrance, footings will be in place by June 15. For the support services addition, excavation for footings will likely begin the week of June 20-24 after water line work is completed next week.

PHYSICAL CHANGES AT HOSPITAL OR GROUNDS: The sidewalk on the south side of the hospital, from the parking lot to the entrance near Conf Rms C-D, will close June 15.

Construction activity near main entrance: Please take extra care as you drive in and out of the parking lot as there will be trucks hauling materials. The construction crew will be taking extra safety precautions to watch out for the safety of all. We will also have volunteers assigned to monitor patient safety as enter and exit our facility.

Ceiling activity: On June 16, a member of the construction crew will be using a ladder to access ceilings in hospital halls and closets to verify sizes for fire dampers to be ordered. This work will not affect any patient care activities.

Posting of parking map/updates: The parking lot map and weekly construction updates are posted on sharepoint and in the cafeteria and main lobby entrance.

Week #3 – june 2, 2011

PROGRESS: Footings for the inpatient addition will reach completion early next week. On June 8, excavation work will begin near the main entrance for our infusion/chemotherapy addition.

PHYSICAL CHANGES AT HOSPITAL OR GROUNDS: The sidewalk on the south side of the hospital, from the parking lot to the entrance near Conf Rms C-D, will close the week of June 13-17.

Construction activity near main entrance: As construction for the infusion addition begins, please take extra care as you drive in and out of the parking lot as there will be trucks hauling materials. The construction crew will be taking extra safety precautions to watch out for the safety of all. We will also have volunteers assigned to monitor patient safety as trucks move in and out of this busy area.

Week #2 – May 26, 2011

PROGRESS: Work continues on the north and west sides of the hospital on excavation and footings for the inpatient addition. From May 31 to June 4, work will begin on taking out the north ambulance garage doors and putting up perimeter fencing to enclose the addition for our infusion/chemotherapy addition. Beginning the week of June 6-10, major excavation will begin for both the infusion (near the main entrance) and support services (south of conf rooms C-D) additions.

PHYSICAL CHANGES AT HOSPITAL OR GROUNDS: Fences and signs clearly mark the construction areas so please respect the warnings to keep out and ensure the safety of everyone.

Week #1 – May 19, 2011

PROGRESS: Major excavation got underway on the north and west sides of the hospital for our inpatient addition on May 16 and will continue for 2-3 more weeks. Work on the support services and infusion additions will begin the first week in June.

PHYSICAL CHANGES AT HOSPITAL OR GROUNDS: Perimeter fencing has gone up around construction zones near high visibility and high traffic areas, and more will go up in the weeks ahead as utility work is completed. Do NOT cross any fence to walk through the construction zone.

Noise levels will be high during the next few weeks from 7 AM to 5:30 PM. We have headsets for patient use.