Simulation lab under construction for upgrades
WV STEPS is currently working to expand the center, nearly quadrupling the educational space. Included in that space are two 10 bed clinical skills practice labs, 12 "standardized patient" exam rooms, an expanded physical assessment lab, an expanded surgical education unit, and a maternal/child simulation suite. Within this space will be advanced technology for audio/visual recording, computer labs, and technology to improve clinical learning in larger groups and inter-professional groups. Opening of this space is slated for August 2015.
We are nearing completion on the demolition of approximately 11,500 sq. ft. on the 36 wing of the third floor HSS. We estimate there was approximately 113 tons of debris removed from the area to the loading dock. Our internal staff performed all demolition.
Now that the asbestos has been abated, all flooring, walls and ceilings removed, we are left with a large number of open utility chases which must be closed. Current fire code requires we close the chases to prevent fire from easily moving from one floor to the next. Construction practices have changed dramatically since the building was designed in the mid 1950's and opened in 1960.
The project included removal of the last original Operating Rooms and associated labs. Due to the x-ray capability, the space was surrounded by double walls with lead sandwiched within and between them. We removed an estimated ton of lead, which must now be treated as a hazardous material.
The vision for the future space
The overall floor blueprint for the future space.
This shows a rendering for the clinical practice skills laboratory.
