Report says railings at new hospital meet building code standards

North Bay Regional Health Centre
News Release

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Today, the North Bay Regional Health Centre (NBRHC) released the third party report from Parkin Architects Limited that reviewed the railing system at the new health centre. NBRHC requested the report as part of the health centre's review of a critical incident that occurred at the facility on Thursday, February 3, 2011; three days after occupying the new building.

Comments from the Parkin Architects Limited report:

* It is our opinion that railings and guards are built in accordance with current guidelines and codes.
* Additionally, we are aware that the hospital has put in place an immediate response to reduce the risk of further incidents by securing all loose furniture near these guards so as to prevent same furniture from being used as a step.
* We also understand that the hospital is undertaking a long term view to ensuring that the potential for future incidents is reduced by studying how and by how much, the existing guards might be increased.
* In analyzing this particular situation a new dialogue has been established with authorities such the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC) regarding potential updates to the relevant design criteria as it relates to health care design.
* However, these conversations do not change the facts as they relate to the current design of the guards at the North Bay Regional Health Centre which we feel are consistent with applicable codes and standards in place at this time.

To view the full report, please visit our website at www.nbrhc.on.ca

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