1,350 windows: LHSC to issue request for proposals to replace windows at University Hospital following procurement scandal

The London Health Sciences Centre's University Hospital in London, Ont. is seen Monday, Nov. 30, 2020. (Jim Knight / CTV News)

London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) will soon be issuing a request for proposals to replace more than 1,350 windows at University Hospital following allegations of breach of contract and negligence against several companies.

According to a news release, LHSC will be issuing a request for proposals in the coming days related to window replacements at University Hospital.

The hospital says its “investigation into past procurement practices” has uncovered issues with the quality of installation of windows in a large-scale project at University Hospital.

The announcement comes after the hospital filed a $40 million lawsuit against several companies over alleged breach of contract and negligence.

The statement of claim says a botched replacement project at the hospital cost more than $19 million compared to the original $10 million bid.

The claim has not been proven in court.

Following a third-party engineering assessment, and after considering all available options, the recommendation is to replace the affected windows to ensure their long-term durability, the hospital says.

Due to the scope of the project, which includes the replacement of more than 1,350 windows and over 2,600 individual glass units across all floors of University Hospital, including renewing or installing sealing systems, LHSC Supervisor David Musyj says the window replacements are not work the hospital “would have chosen to do at this time.”

The hospital says the work however is critical as it addresses infrastructure issues and will improve the overall durability, air tightness and reliability of the facility.

“It’s important to note that there is no immediate safety concern related to the windows, but this action is necessary to ensure the long-term integrity of our facilities,” the statement added.

The hospital says the work will move forward in stages, but will take “several years” to complete, adding construction will be “carefully sequenced” over the next two to three years to ensure hospital operations run smoothly with a minimal disruption to patient care.

On-site work is expected to begin early next year.

“This process will be carried out carefully, openly, and with strong oversight to ensure it is fair and accountable. In addition, LHSC will be engaging an independent fairness advisor to oversee the procurement process. While fairness advisors are more commonly used on larger or more complex projects, we determined that their involvement would add meaningful value in this instance,” Musyj said in a statement. “Their role will be to provide independent oversight and assurance that the process is conducted in a fair, transparent, and consistent manner.”

The hospital adds that it will continue to provide updates as the project progresses.

With files from CTV News London’s Matt Thompson