Works to upgrade Monash Medical Centre’s electrical infrastructure have reached a major milestone, with completion of shutdowns affecting wards and departments within the facility.
“This project has been a significant planning and logistical challenge,” said David Ballantyne, Executive Director of Capital and Infrastructure.
Over 100 temporary shutdowns have now been completed across essential, non-essential, Uninterruptible Power Supply, and High Voltage systems. These shutdowns have enabled works to increase capacity and improve reliability of power supplies to the site.
“I want to thank and congratulate the teams involved so far, including the Capital Projects team, clinical leadership, and engineering,” David said. “Many people have worked long hours to facilitate these complex shutdowns, and they deserve to be recognised for their efforts which can often go unnoticed.”
The project has continued throughout the COVID pandemic response, as many critical system upgrades could not be delayed. Temporary shutdowns affecting ICU, theatres, and wards across Clayton had to be carefully planned to minimise the impact on clinical services.
Wards across the hospital had their electrical supply temporarily shut down, with appropriate clinical approvals, backup supply, and safety checks in place. Contractors were then able to change over electrical board systems that connect to an upgraded electrical supply.
“The Capital Projects team worked alongside clinical leadership and engineering to ensure comprehensive safety plans were in place,” David said. “We ensured patients were aware of works and understood why their lights were being switched off, to prevent unnecessary anxiety.”
Some further works will be undertaken to complete the project in November.
Pictured: Margaret Harley, Director Clinical Operations; Kayla Barfuss, Project Officer; John McDonald, Senior Engineer; Chris Jaquiery, Leading Hand Electrician; Simon Early, Senior Project Manager.
Approved by David Ballantyne, Executive Director of Capital and Infrastructure