#IamMGH tells the stories of our people. Meet Elda Topuzi, project manager, redevelopment at Michael Garron Hospital (MGH).
“I’ve been working at MGH for four years now. The most rewarding part of my job is being able to see years of planning finally come to fruition through physical construction. I feel motivated knowing that I am helping to build a facility that will help to improve the health and wellness of a community for generations to come.
Building a new hospital amidst the COVID-19 pandemic has been a tremendous challenge. Throughout the pandemic, essential construction projects within the healthcare sector have continued to move forward. Now more than ever, I see the real-world implications of my role as I help navigate the connection of present day hospital operations with new construction. It’s a delicate balance to ensure the safety of the onsite construction team while also ensuring the ongoing operations within the hospital are never compromised.
I have had to adapt every aspect of how I conduct my day to day work at MGH in order to ensure the hospital’s redevelopment project can continue to move forward. As non-essential personnel on site have been reduced for safety, I have had to step into roles on behalf of my team. I have remained on site to manage physical reviews and the flow of information to ensure the quality of the project is never compromised. I’m proud of the work I have achieved with my team during such unprecedented times.
On opening day of the new facility, I look forward to seeing how care will be transformed at MGH within spaces that are more conducive to patient and family-centred care and through the integration of technological advancements.
Michael Garron Hospital is at the heart of the East Toronto community and I am so honoured to be a part of the team building the Ken and Marilyn Thomson Patient Care Centre.”