BAY CITY - The largest expansion project ever at the Bay Regional Medical Center will result in a new outpatient service building, improved patient flow in the facility, and more room for some several patient services.

The four-level expansion is being managed by design-builder HBE, which is overseeing the addition of 140,000 square-feet of space and 66,000 square-feet of renovated space.

"We have a very good, competent workforce," said Jim Bourdon, director of support service and facility management for Bay Regional. About 75 construction workers are currently on site. "They've done a good job, they've been cooperative, and the project is on time."

The new building will consolidate outpatient service and together with the renovated space will allow the hospital to offer improved services in cardiology, nuclear medicine, endoscopy, and women's health. The fourth floor of the addition will remain empty to allow for future expansion.

Construction of the $40 million project began in December 2005 and completion is expected at the end of August 2007. A four-story building on the site was demolished to allow for the new construction. Bourdon said the hospital was fortunate because the addition is mostly being tied into hallway space in the main hospital building area, which simplifies the design and construction process.

"We haven't run into any major issues," Bourdon said. "We've had to move around a lot of our own non-patient departments and vacate some areas, but nothing has resulted in a disruption to patient services."

WRAPPING A DUCT section at the McClaren Bay Regional Medical Center's expansion/renovation project is Grant Glazier of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 47.

CUTTING BLOCK outside the Bay Regional Medical Center project in Bay City is Greg Hall of BAC Local 9.