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For Immediate Release: Contact Person: Henry F. Robertson Halifax Regional Medical Center Makes Safety Improvements Halifax Regional Medical Center is in the process of making safety upgrades to the fire resistant barriers in the hospital. The barriers being improved separate each patient room from the hallways and allows the halls to be protected by fire doors. A North Carolina company has been contracted to do the upgrades to the current fire barriers. “With the steps that we are taking, we are not only meeting all existing standards, we are going to surpass what the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Fire Code requires”, said Russell Heese, Support Services Manager, “We want to be well prepared if a fire does occur, and for any future changes in the building codes. The overall outcome will be greater patient safety.” The third floor medical unit was the first area to be completed. Work will soon begin on the sixth floor and then proceed throughout other areas of the hospital. Areas where the contractors are working are closed, and are draped in plastic to keep dust and minor fumes from being released into patient care areas. The upgrades are expected to take seven months to complete and will cost approximately $200,000. |