Biomedical and clinical engineers' work behind the scenes delivers patient care

As new healthcare facilities take shape across Cape Breton under the CBRM Healthcare Redevelopment Project, there's a great deal of work happening behind the scenes to ensure these spaces are ready to deliver care the moment the doors open.

Over 100 clinical and biomedical engineering technologists, technicians and clinical engineers work throughout the province to ensure Nova Scotia Health has access to the technology they need for patient care. Within the redevelopment project in Cape Breton, clinical engineers are involved in the planning and selection of equipment for the new spaces. They also work on the installation and commissioning of medical devices and healthcare technology in the new buildings. 

Jody Lavery is the project’s program manager responsible for clinical equipment and planning. He’s worked in the clinical engineering profession in Cape Breton for 25 years and is excited to see what the future of healthcare technology will look like.

“Working in the clinical engineering field allows you an opportunity to have a positive impact on healthcare delivery with the equipment and tools that clinicians use every day to treat patients,” he says. “In modern healthcare facilities, technology has become a vital component of patient care. The clinical engineers on our redevelopment teams work to ensure future technology is integrated into the delivery of our healthcare projects.” 

Anas Tahir is a clinical engineer responsible for clinical equipment and planning on the redevelopment project. He’s worked in healthcare and academia in several countries as a researcher and biomedical/clinical engineer for ten years. He says it’s exciting to learn, evolve, and grow with the future of healthcare technology and contribute to long-lasting positive impacts. 

“I help plan, design, and choose medical equipment for healthcare projects, making sure it fits clinical needs, safety rules, and space limitations. I also set up equipment which includes installation, testing, and scheduling. My goal is to support patient care by working with teams to plan and install equipment that meets clinical and safety needs.” 

Once the new healthcare facilities are open and operating, clinical engineers and technologists will support operational needs by fixing critical equipment like infusion pumps, keeping on top of the preventive maintenance of ventilators, or commissioning patient lifts. 

The CBRM Healthcare Redevelopment Project involves building a new Cape Breton Cancer Centre, energy centre and a clinical services building that will house an emergency department, critical care, inpatient beds, surgical suites, cardiac catheterization lab as well as family and newborn services at Cape Breton Regional Hospital. A new health centre, long-term care home, Breton Education Centre and a community wellness centre in New Waterford are also part of the project, On the Northside, a new health centre, a long-term care home and laundry facility are in the works as well as the expansion and renovation of Glace Bay Hospital.

For more information about the redevelopment project, visit Cape Breton Regional Hospital | Build Nova Scotia | Build Nova Scotia  

Photo of (L-R) Anas Tahir and Jody Lavery, who work in clinical engineering with the CBRM Healthcare Redevelopment Project. They’re pictured from their office that looks over the redevelopment construction site at Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney, NS.