What is happening to keep Menno Place cool during the hot summer?
Menno Place Addresses the HEAT
It’s summer again and we are working hard to keep Menno Place COOL!
As you know, in 2021, there was a heat dome that impacted our area from June 25 – 29th. Environment Canada stated that this was “a dangerous, long duration heat wave”. Menno Place put all of our Heat Plan practices into place, including providing hydration centers, fans, cooling cloths and bringing residents into common areas to cool down.
In the fall of 2020, Ottawa committed up to $1 billion through the Safe Long-term Care Fund to help provinces and territories to improve infection prevention and control in long-term care. Ottawa and BC announced an agreement to provide close to $134 million for British Columbia’s facilities that deliver long-term care through this Safe Long-term Care Fund.
As we provide services in the Fraser Health region, Menno Home and Menno Hospital were invited to submit proposals in three areas:
- Mattresses & Bedframes
- Furniture & Fixtures
- HVAC Upgrades.
With this opportunity, Menno Place leaders went into overdrive to get quotes for upgrades in these 3 areas. With respect to HVAC upgrades, we were encouraged to submit proposals to strengthen infection prevention and improve resident comfort in existing long-term care homes by adding air conditioning and improving HVAC systems.
Bas Kervel led the submission of proposals in this area, getting quotes and determining the needs in Menno Home and Menno Hospital. As a result, Menno Place was awarded:
- $150,000 for HVAC upgrades in Menno Hospital
- $178,000 for Menno Home “swing air-conditioner units”, and
- $170,000 for Menno Home “mini-split air-conditioning”
Prior to the announced funds being awarded, Menno Place ordered the units and the parts in December 2021.
We have put in air-conditioning and are working on adding more as the parts become available. As in all industries, the supply chain has been impacted globally and we are waiting for some parts for the East wing of Menno Hospital. We are waiting for equipment for Menno Home south wing and for Menno Hospital W2.
19 “mini-splits” have been installed in Menno Home and are connected to the outdoor unit.
Our Maintenance Team continues their excellent work as they put in place the equipment and parts that have been delivered. We thank them for this important service to our residents and staff.
This summer has been cooler – and even the HOT days have been cooler with these improved upgrades. Thank you to all who made this possible!
