The Flin Flon General Hospital has pushed the button on extensive elevator improvements.
Work recently began on a major mechanical upgrade of the elevator system and a refurbishment of the main elevator car.
Northern Health Region spokesperson Glenn Hildebrand said the elevator met safety standards but was due for routine maintenance.
“This is about a regular process of upgrades as upgrades become available,” he said. “You also want to ensure that any parts that are subject to wear are changed out on a rotating basis, not that unlike what you do with your vehicle.”
To accommodate patients and visitors, the hospital is making use of two other elevators: the service elevator and, for patients of the clinic on the third floor, the cargo elevator.
The service elevator is self-operating, just like the main elevator. The cargo elevator, however, requires an operator, so the hospital has hired porters to assist the public.
Hildebrand said signs at the hospital direct the public to the elevators. Anyone unsure of where to go can simply ask a staff member.
Work on the elevator began two weeks ago and will go until as late as the end of February. Two service people from Otis Elevator Company are working on the project.
The budget is just under $375,000, with the provincial government footing the bill.
Similar upgrades to the elevator at the Northern Lights Manor began in early 2013 and have been completed, though the Otis workers will do a few outstanding adjustments while in Flin Flon.
The province also covered the the $238,000 cost of the Manor work.
Hildebrand said the elevator upgrades had been planned for the past few years, but a delay on the part of Otis pushed back the
project dates.
