For nearly five years, Berwick Electric's talented electricians have had a hand in remodeling the Evans Army Hospital at Fort Carson. And, when it comes to constructing a state-of-the-art hospital for doctors, nurses, and patients, the Berwick team enjoys the challenge. To learn more about Berwick’s projects at Evans Army Hospital, we recently spoke with Project Manager Tony Cerciello about the “ins” and “outs” of the project. Tony has over 25 years of experience in the electrical industry, and he has worked on a variety of projects including medical, high tech, government, and others. Keep reading below to learn more.
 |
| BEC Project Manager Tony Cerciello |
Berwick Electric (BE): Can you describe the scope of Berwick’s involvement in the Evans Army Hospital renovations?
Tony Cerciello (TC): Well, we are currently finishing up alterations to the fourth floor surgery recovery unit and the fifth floor behavioral health unit. Both floors were completely gutted and remodeled. The behavioral health unit is especially important, as more soldiers need mental health care post-Afghanistan and Iraq.
In addition to these floors, Berwick is also working on a 15 KV substation for the power plant that powers the hospital. This substation will power two new chiller units that provide cool water for the hospital’s air conditioning. Prior to working on the fourth and fifth floors of the hospital, Berwick also performed work for the emergency room remodel, as well as the clinics on the second and third floors of the hospital.
BE: What are some of the unique challenges involved in working in a hospital.
TC: With this project, one of the main challenges was managing construction inside of an operating hospital. A main concern with completing construction inside of an operating hospital is infection control. Working alongside the general contractor, we established infection-control barricades. We used an air machine to create a negative air pressure inside of the construction area to prevent any dust particles from escaping.
BE: What benefits will the new upgrades bring the hospital?
TC: Nearly all of the hospital’s interiors have been upgraded to current standards, both electrically and aesthetically. It’s almost like having an entirely new hospital. This is a great benefit to the many military families that the hospital serves.
BE: Is there anything else that you’d like to add?
TC: Yes. I’d like to thank Dave Lenz, Berwick Electric’s foreman who has been onsite at the hospital for five years. He’s done an excellent job handling the Evans Army Hospital projects alongside other projects. I’d also like to thank Brad Burkett, Danny Porter, Dan Sternthal, Paul Heinzen, along with many others, who have worked hard to uphold Berwick’s great reputation. It's also been a pleasure to work with Fort Carson, Bryan Construction, and the hospital staff.
______________________________________________________________________________
Berwick Electric Co. enjoys working closely with owners and contractors to implement key electrical systems for construction projects. To learn more about Berwick’s construction services, please click here.