News

September 2010

Torcon & The Valley Hospital: 15 Years and Going Strong

2010 marks Torcon's 15th year of active construction at The Valley Hospital. In a world of constant change, this longevity is remarkable. Valley's Vice President of Facilities Management, Maria Mediago, sees nothing but positives. "Torcon has adopted Valley's culture and has developed a keen understanding of how the Hospital conducts its business. They understand that Valley's first priority is the patient's experience, and they always plan their work with that in mind. It's very much appreciated."

Torcon was initially contracted by Valley in 1994 to complete a single-floor addition to the Hospital's Bergen Building. Work was begun in 1995 and, before completion, Valley more than doubled the contract by requesting a series of department upgrades. The work has been on-going as Valley continues to enhance its facilities to offer its community the best experience and latest in medical technology. Projects have included an MRI Center, an expansion to the Emergency Department, an expanded entrance and lobby, an underground parking structure, and the development of The Robert and Audrey Luckow Pavilion in Paramus.

"The Valley Hospital is something of a unique client," said Torcon Co-President Joe Torcivia. "They are totally focused on the quality of their facilities because they understand how critical the buildings are to their patients and to the recovery process. As a result, they really take the time to do the right thing, both in designing their facilities and in executing their projects."

 

Senior Vice President Dennis Schettino has seen this played out since the beginning. "No element of work is allowed to begin at Valley without a detailed review of how it will be executed. We review everything on the construction side, from infection control, interim life safety measures, signage, noise, traffic, and material movement to a step-by-step schedule of events. That plan is then reviewed with Valley against the backdrop of the Hospital's operations: what happens in the spaces above, below and outside the construction zone? How does the project impact patients, visitors, staff and neighbors? Nothing is left to chance."

"The facilities built by Valley and Torcon, and the challenges we have overcome, are a testament to the collaborative environment we enjoy," says Senior Project Manager Phil Centineo. Today, the relationship remains strong, reflected by the series of on-going projects that include upgrades to the Diagnostic Imaging Department, PACU, Histology, Neuro/Ortho nursing units and EEG services. Torcon is also managing projects at several of Valley's satellite locations, including a new oncology suite at the Luckow Pavilion and the Maternal Fetal Medicine center at the Kraft Center.

For the past three years Torcon has been working closely with Valley's team on the Hospital's proposed Renewal program. "Valley's goal is always to provide its patients and their families with the very latest in patient care and medical treatment" says Mediago. "For example, the new patient care model is to provide single patient rooms. They're not only preferred by patients and their families, but also result in better care, treatment and recovery. We simply cannot achieve this level of change within our existing buildings. We need to renew."

 

Says Schettino, "We've worked closely with Valley and the design team to find a win-win solution for the Renewal program focusing on cost, schedule, materials of construction and minimizing the impact to the community surrounding the hospital. It's a process based upon trust and collaboration."

Maria Mediago adds, "Torcon has been an important partner to Valley during the development of our design for Renewal. They attend every meeting and are here working with Valley's staff every day. They do a tremendous amount of research to bring innovative ideas to the table. They are truly focused on helping Valley find the best way for us to remain good neighbors and still achieve the Hospital's goals for the program."