Growth continues at HCMH
Humboldt County Memorial Hospital Radiology staff were recently introduced to the HCMH Board of Trustees. Pictured from left are: Amie Larson, Lindsy Johanson, Kelly Goodell, Stacy Clarken (Radiology Director), Tammy Kampen, Jennifer Hoefer, Liz Swanson, Brianna Jenson. See this and other photos at www.humboldtnews.com. Humboldt Independent photo by April Kelley.
By APRIL KELLEY
Humboldt County Memorial Hospital (HCMH) CEO Michelle Sleiter reported to the Board of Trustees that plans for the new MRI and surgery suite are progressing on time but a little over budget.
“Originally, Graham had done the original estimate when we started talking about this probably over a year ago, the cost estimate was coming in at about $7 million for the two areas (MRI and surgical), including most of the equipment as well. Based on current information and estimations, they're showing us at about $9 million now for the total project,” Sleiter said.
As with any remodeling project, issues arise as the project continues that add costs to the original estimate.
An exterior storm line will need to be attached to the project which will also necessitate some repaving of the parking lot where the storm line will be disturbed.
They also discovered that the roofing in that area will need to be updated since they are already working there.
“We've got some leaks that have been occurring in surgery, unfortunately, so that was a full replacement of that roof extended to the end of that building,” Sleiter said.
Sleiter reminded the Trustees that the amounts being discussed are at this time just estimates.
“This is all estimated until they physically show up on bid day but that is what they're showing as the estimate,” Sleiter said.
The pre-bid meeting was held on Friday, July 31 so interested contractors could walk through the project and receive the documents with the specifications.
Sealed bids will be due by Aug. 13. The Board of Trustees will meet on Aug. 18 to receive and open the bids.
Sleiter reminded the Trustees there is a real need to push forward quickly with the project as there is a strict deadline for the disbursement of the grant funds for the MRI equipment.
“We are having to continue to push this hard because the grant money we've received on the MRI has deadlines that we really cannot extend at all at this point or negotiate. The MRI (must be) up and operational by September 30 of 2027 and this is going to be tight,” Sleiter said.
Sleiter also introduced the radiology department employees to the Board during the meeting, several of whom have already started training for the new MRI machine.
“We're excited. We're growing, we are developing and changing. Radiology is starting to look different for us, and we're still trying to figure that out a little yet,” Radiology Director Stacy Clarken said.
Read the FULL story in this week's issue of the Humboldt Independent!
