“It is critical we continue to seek and utilize feedback obtained from our employees to best accommodate our patients, their loved ones and our staff,” said Karla McCaney, vice president, Facilities Management. “We want input from employees from all departments – from Food & Nutrition to Nursing to Respiratory Care – because they are the ones who we entrust with delivering care and services to our patients. Their experience and insight are immensely valuable in helping us improve the flow and logistics of the patient room design.”

Everyone who visited the prototype room was asked to complete a simple on-line survey. There was a robust response to the survey of both constructive suggestions and positive feedback. Virtually all employees surveyed commented favorably about the benefits of a private, single occupancy room and a designated family area. Other points of positive feedback included: sleeper sofas to accommodate a patient's family members, the convenience of bedside computers in each room, the availability of detailed information boards to help keep patients oriented, and ‘charging areas’ for electronic devices.

Major demolition in the Cathcart Sub-Basement has completed.

In other construction progress news, major demolition in the Cathcart Sub-Basement and on the 8^th floor of the Preston building is complete. Installation of new underground piping is currently underway for the new Lab and framing of interior walls has begun. Complete relocation of the Lab remains on track for December 2012.