The next five to six weeks will see a “whirlwind of activity” at the new Allen County Regional Hospital, said Tim Moore, project engineer with Murray Company. TRUSTEES agreed to not exempt hospital grounds from those carrying concealed weapons. IN OTHER news, Dr. Earl and Linda Walter, who previously were recognized for donating to the new hospital, have since added to their gift and requested the new hospital’s oncology department be named in their honor. Trustees did so.
On the inside, finishing touches are being applied to the surgery and emergency room areas, Moore told trustees Tuesday night.
On the exterior, grading of the landscape is in the final stages and some trees have been planted. Lines will soon be painted on the parking lot.
“In the next two to three weeks we can start cleaning and polishing the outside of the building,” Moore said, “which should provide a big change for the building’s aesthetics.”
One setback is the disintegration of mortar between the smooth thin-set stone blocks on the building’s front facade.
“The mortar is not sticking,” said a representative from Health Facilities Group, architects for the project.
The irregular, rough stone on the upper section of the building’s exterior is in good shape, he said.
Different crews installed the two sets of stone and also used different mortar mixes, he said.
“That could have been it, or the weather,” he said, noting the two stones were installed at different times of the year.
The stone will be removed and reapplied.
As of July 1, Kansas law allows concealed carry on public grounds, including hospitals and college campuses.
The hospital could exempt itself from complying with the new law and continue to post signs saying no guns allowed. The exemption status is good for four years. After that point it must either change its no-weapons status or implement a detection system at every public entrance.
Trustees objected to having to eventually implement what is a costly detection system, in terms of equipment and manpower — guards must also be stationed to inspect those coming and going.
Alan Weber, county counselor and legal adviser to the trustees, said the hospital’s best policy is that in which it is least responsible for accidents. From that standpoint allowing concealed weapons is its most prudent course of action.
The hospital has signed on with Shared Medical Services to provide MRI scans. The truck will be at the hospital three days a week, including Saturdays.
“We hope this will be particularly advantageous for those who work during the week,” said Ron Baker, chief executive officer of the hospital.
Countdown on for hospital opening
