By Kristen Frisa
Ontario Construction News staff writer
In process since its official groundbreaking in October 2016, the Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital is on track to become Canada’s first ‘smart’ hospital upon its completion in late 2020.
Integrated technology systems and medical devices at Mackenzie Vaughan will allow critical care components to communicate directly with one another to improve patient experience through optimal exchange of information. Mackenzie Health recently announced a partnership with health care solutions provider FlexITy to deliver personalized health support at the bedside through the GetWellNetwork.
Bedside controls will also allow patients to access entertainment, room controls and translation services. The smart hospital vision will extend to the existing Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital.
The new facility will be 1.2 million sq. ft., and provide space for 350 patient beds, with the capacity to increase to 550 beds. It is the first new hospital to be built in York Region for more than 30 years. The project’s price tag comes in at $1.6 billion.
The design of Mackenzie Vaughan incorporates several sustainable measures including low overall energy use, water conservation and green roofs and construction waste diversion. The Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital will seek LEED-Silver certification.
PCL Construction is building the hospital, which was designed by Stantec and Zeidler Partnership Architects.
Builders reached the highest point in the facility in October 2018 – two months ahead of schedule. Mackenzie Health says the project is moving forward at an “unprecedented pace.”
To watch drone footage illustrating progress on the Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35h0AM14VpI