Harrington Electric Co. provides expert assistance to enhance healthcare services for veterans by transitioning from outdated systems to a streamlined, efficient digital platform.
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The project, now exceeding $8 million in scope, is a pilot program for the VA nationwide, setting the stage for similar upgrades across the country. Scheduled for completion in October 2025, this complex undertaking has required meticulous coordination and execution, especially within a fully operational hospital environment.
A Skilled and Adaptive Team
Leading the charge are Ron Weiss as Foreman, with Christina Lutz and Kenny Wilson serving as Co-Project Managers. Pete Simon oversees Fiber installation, while Adam Karp manages the Telecom Rooms (TR). Wilson, with over 20 years in the field, has been instrumental in organizing and documenting the cutover process, ensuring a seamless transition.
“Our team is navigating the work of multiple trades while ensuring minimal disruption to hospital operations,” says Lutz. “We’re working with a number of different VA departments, each with unique requirements. Their main request for us as we complete work in their departments is to work fast, be quiet and maintain a neat and clean work environment. As such, our teams are prioritizing patience and a high degree of compliance, especially in departments dealing with infectious disease control.”
The Harrington team, consisting of 10-13 professionals daily, is divided into three specialized segments:
To date, the team has already installed more than two million feet of CAT6A cabling, with approximately 200,000 feet still to go. Fiber installation is roughly 65% complete, with the the first of two redundant Fiber Pathways fully installed and tested. The team is now cutting over telecom room fiber and copper to the new infrastructure, all while maintaining uninterrupted hospital operations.
Challenges and Adaptations
The project’s greatest challenge is working within a highly active healthcare setting. With the VA returning to full capacity in mid-April (to comply with the return of all previously remote workers), additional on-site personnel will increase logistical complexities. “Ensuring no personnel—especially patients—are affected during these cutovers is imperative for overall safety,” says Lutz. “We work closely with hospital staff and IT to coordinate every step.”
Another key lesson learned is that constructing brand new telecommunications rooms is often more efficient than retrofitting old ones, a realization that is reshaping future VA facility upgrades around the country.
Despite these challenges, the team’s adaptability and professionalism stand out. “Our crew is customer-facing—they are the face of Harrington Electric Co. to the VA staff and medical personnel,” Lutz proudly emphasizes. “Their expertise, patience, and ability to build strong relationships have been crucial to this project’s success.”
As the Cleveland VA Medical Center moves forward with its EHR modernization, Harrington Electric Co. remains dedicated to this critical infrastructure project, delivering high-quality electrical and technology solutions that will enhance veteran healthcare and well-being for years to come.
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