Watch the video above: Long list of needed repairs at RUH
SASKATOON – Inside and outside, Royal University Hospital is aging.
In the parkade, areas are cordoned off because of a weakened structure. Internally there have been problems with boilers and water systems. On the exterior, a safety net holds the limestone facade from crumbling.
“Because of the age of our facilities, we do have quite a bit of demand maintenance that we have to do,” said Nelish Kavia, the Saskatoon Health Region’s VP of finance and corporate services.
The hospital was built in the 1950’s, followed by additions in the 70’s and 80’s.
Today, portions of the pediatric outpatient unit remain closed. Drywall is being replaced after a pipe burst on Monday. It was exposed to cold in an area where renovations are beginning for the new Children’s Hospital of Saskatchewan.
Although this isn’t an effect of aging infrastructure, it has generated feedback.
Barb Cape with SEIU-West says infrastructure issues like these are common among members employed at RUH.
“When pipes burst, or when A/C systems don’t work or when water systems aren’t appropriate,” said Cape.
With 1,600 union members employed at RUH, Cape says reports on conditions are frequent and creates challenges for members as well as the public.
The health region’s 2013-14 capital and infrastructure budget come in at $74 million, with a large portion directed specifically toward RUH, including electrical upgrades.
“Emergency power is another one, we have generators that need attention as well,” said Kavia.
The region says it’s trying to get ahead of the curve but that’s something that can only be accomplished by spending in advance of a failure.
The 2014-15 fiscal budget will be decided in the spring after the provincial budget is finalized.
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