Fitzemeyer & Tocci Providing MEP Services for SVMC’s Emergency Department

Bennington, VT – Fitzemeyer & Tocci (F&T) announced it is providing MEP/FP and construction administration services for a Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) project, which includes the complete renovation and expansion of the emergency department, main entrance, and other key areas. The project is currently under construction.

SVMC is investing $25.8 million to enhance its facilities and services, with a focus on improving patient safety, privacy, and infection prevention. F&T is working closely with SVMC, Lavallee Brensinger Architects, and PC Construction to ensure a smooth and efficient project delivery.

low-acuity conditions, an expanded mental health crisis care area, and increased telehealth connectivity with Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health. The extended emergency department will have 18 treatment spaces to further enhance patient care. In addition, the project includes renovations to the main entrance, cafe, outpatient registration area, Imaging Department waiting area, and phlebotomy and laboratory upgrades.

The existing emergency department was in need of a renovation and expansion, as it was designed over 40 years ago to handle 14,000 patient visits per year. Today, it serves nearly 25,000 annually. The project will double the size of the department and feature vertical treatment areas for highly efficient treatment of

The MEP/FP design by F&T includes flexible negative pressure zones, arranged in pods, that can accommodate current or future pandemic concerns and maximize staff and patient safety, as well as flexible equipment that can adjust flow to accommodate the phasing. All available methods of existing condition verification were incorporated into the design: visual investigation, SD scanning and modeling, and existing (old) drawing research. Additionally, the hospital’s hot water heating plant system is upgraded to facilitate re-heat conversion from steam to chilled water, not only serving the project but also improving the overall hospital heating systems.

The emergency department is remaining operational during the expansion, which requires effective coordination and communication from project team members throughout construction. The project is scheduled to be completed in early 2024.