The hydronic heating system at a segment of Newfoundland and Labrador’s rehabilitation hospital has been experiencing frequent failures, leading to severe damage that an internal briefing note indicates is expected to persist.
Additionally, the document — acquired by CBC News via an access to information request — reveals that over $1.2 million worth of prosthetic and orthotic equipment and supplies are jeopardized due to the infrastructural problems at the Dr. L.A. Miller Centre.
“The repairs needed for the system are expensive, intricate, and not sustainable in the long run,” stated the briefing note, prepared for officials at Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services in June.
“Further breakdowns are expected given the system’s age.”
The rehabilitation technology department is situated in the oldest part of the Miller Centre, located on Forest Road in St. John’s, which was built in 1941.
Employing 25 staff members, the department creates, fits, alters, and repairs orthotic and prosthetic devices for over 500 clients each year. It also evaluates, prescribes, and customizes seating systems for individuals facing complex medical or physical challenges.
“The continuous failure of the system over the past [one to two] years has left the rehab technology department in a perpetual state of disrepair,” the note states.
The CBC’s Ariana Kelland reports on a health authority briefing note warning that over $1.2 million in specialized equipment in the rehab technology department is at risk, and that repairs are “costly, complex and unsustainable in the long-term.”
“A leak in the fabrication area is likely, and if that happens, prosthetic and orthotic services will have to stop entirely, which will greatly affect patient care.”
Clinical services have faced disruptions for “extended periods,” and staff are dealing with unpleasant odors, high temperatures, and excessive moisture, with temperatures recorded above 28 degrees, according to the briefing note.
The document also indicates that the provincial government had intentions to relocate the Miller Centre as part of a plan for a new hospital to replace St. Clare’s Hospital — another aging facility experiencing infrastructural challenges.
However, Tony Wakeham’s administration canceled those plans in January, citing exorbitant costs that the government could not afford.
An internal briefing note to NLHS officials warns that equipment and supplies face further risk of damage if additional leaks occur. This image depicts the storage room for prosthetics and orthotics. (NLHS)
The document states that making repairs is challenging because the pipes are hidden beneath concrete floors and behind plaster that contains asbestos, necessitating complicated containment and abatement processes to effect repairs.
The hydronic heating system also provides warmth to inpatient areas on the second and third floors of the Miller Centre, which houses 59 beds. Leaks have also harmed offices in other areas of the building and disrupted treatment spaces, necessitating staff relocations.
“Hoarding has been implemented throughout the department, and equipment is currently stored in hallways due to the damaged storage rooms,” the briefing note mentions.
“The environment is cluttered and raises accessibility and safety issues for both patients and staff.”
Engineering firm engaged to assess system: NLHS
Nevertheless, the briefing note indicates that the Miller Centre has not been earmarked for renovations in any provincial government announcements or by the Northeast Avalon Health Infrastructure Committee, which advises on health care infrastructure.
The briefing note cautions that the working conditions are causing stress among staff and creating a “further obstacle to recruiting positions that are already tough to fill, as well as retaining current staff.”
Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services did not provide a representative for an interview.
However, in a statement, NLHS announced that repairs are in progress and that an engineering firm has been contracted to evaluate the system.
Images obtained through access to information reveal damage in several areas of the Miller Centre, including this patient room located in Unit 2 North. (NLHS)
NLHS stated that it is exploring options to enhance the area as part of its capital renewal and replacement initiative.
“Projects are assessed and prioritized using a risk matrix that evaluates factors such as urgency, criticality, safety, and operational impact,” the statement explained.
“This program allocates funding for the renewal, repair, and replacement of aging infrastructure and building systems essential for maintaining facility operations and ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality care.”
The statement added that the rehab technology department is utilizing an alternate location, though it did not specify where. Patients will be informed about any changes regarding their appointment locations.
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