Finding # 2022-003 Response South Lyon Medical Center received the provider relief funds in May 2020. Immediately after award, and using HRSA?s authorized usage of the funds, Administration reviewed weaknesses in the facility needed to mitigate the COVID19 pandemic. After due diligence and several...
Finding # 2022-003 Response South Lyon Medical Center received the provider relief funds in May 2020. Immediately after award, and using HRSA?s authorized usage of the funds, Administration reviewed weaknesses in the facility needed to mitigate the COVID19 pandemic. After due diligence and several meetings on the funding guidelines, SLMC determined the greatest benefit to the community and patients was to upgrade the original HVAC system in its 1963 skilled nursing facility as the most effective way for SLMC to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. The facility?s architect/engineer was immediately tasked with the creation of a feasibility report and design plans to perform the needed upgrades, removing the 1963 antiquated system and replacing it with a modern efficient system and the process of finding a contractor to complete the project. In October 2020, plans were completed and submitted to contractors in the surrounding area in pursuit of a proposal. The project was awarded to Miles Construction in March 2021 and a contract was signed on May 5th, 2021. HVAC projects at hospitals require a significant amount of time to plan, design, and build under normal circumstances, even before taking into consideration complications added by the pandemic, which included contractor shortages, labor availability issues, and supply chain issues. These obstacles are much more pronounced in rural areas. There were additional delays in receiving State approval due to the increased number of projects submitted for review to the state during this period. The Medical Center committed funds to the project and entered into the contract in good faith, using the guidance available at the time of the commitment. The project was part of the Medical Center?s initiative to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus and, accordingly, the Provider Relief Fund grants were used to help fund the initiative. The FAQs available at the time the contract was executed did not include a requirement that the capital project be fully complete by the end of the Period of Availability to be an allowable use of the funds. This requirement was added on August 30, 2021, which is two months after the end of the period 1 Period of Availability, June 30, 2021. Responsible Party David Bezard, CFO South Lyon Health Center, Inc. Estimated Completion The Project was completed and put into service in September 2022 after the Fire Marshall?s final inspection and the Contractor/Architect signed off on the project?s completion.