A Tight Fit, A Big Upgrade

Congratulations to Gritman Medical Center on opening its new Central Sterile Reprocessing Department.

We have partnered with Gritman for over 20 years, so it's especially rewarding to see this project come to fruition. As surgery volumes increased, the need for a larger, more efficient sterile processing department became apparent. The current space simply couldn't keep pace.

There was a problem. The current surgery department is on the second floor, and expansion options were limited.  Where to put it while maintaining operational efficiency?

After considering various options, the team decided to renovate an adjacent section of the original 1960s building that was underutilized. It was the right decision, but it came with significant challenges. The floor-to-floor height was low. Electrical capacity was limited. Record drawings were scarce. The HVAC systems were aging. In short, the space presented many difficulties.

Still, the work needed to be done.

First, we upgraded and expanded the electrical service to that side of the building. That included replacing the infamous “Pringle switch,” which was nearing failure. No potato chips involved, just a critical piece of infrastructure that needed attention. We also updated panels and wiring throughout the older areas to support new equipment.

Next, we installed new boilers, heaters, and water treatment systems. Meanwhile, the hospital stayed fully operational. That required careful planning, close coordination, and ongoing communication with staff.

Then came the real challenge: fitting everything into a very limited vertical space. Every duct, pipe, conduit, and piece of equipment had to work together. Clearances were tight. Tolerances were even tighter. With careful coordination and a steady hand, it all came together.

Over one weekend, staff moved into the new department. By Monday, they were operational in a space that better supports their work and the hospital’s ongoing growth.

Projects like this are not flashy. They are complex, technical, and vital to patient care. Above all, they require teamwork and trust. We are proud to continue our long partnership with Gritman and help create spaces that support healing behind the scenes.