Together, We Build: PECMH Team Spotlight Featuring Lisa Mowbray and Chris Sztuke
As the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) rebuild continues to take shape, two dedicated Quinte Health team members are helping turn the vision into reality.
Lisa Mowbray, Clinical Lead for Operational Readiness, and Chris Sztuke, Senior Project Manager for Construction, are playing key roles behind the scenes and onsite at the new PECMH build, ensuring that every detail of the new hospital meets the needs of staff, patients and visitors.
Chris manages day-to-day activities at the PECMH construction site, coordinating communication between the construction team, consultants, and Quinte Health. “If there’s an issue, like flooding or road closures, I’m the first point of contact. Managing changes at the PECMH build is a big part of my job and helps keep the project on budget and on schedule.”
Lisa plays an instrumental role in making sure the clinical side is fully considered. “I work with departments and clinical teams to help validate plans, checking and re-checking the needs of our patients and staff. I also help to ensure patient care remains exceptional throughout the transition and beyond.”
Chris and Lisa also meet with the PECMH hospital staff regularly to provide project updates.
Having worked at PECMH as a staff nurse then Site Manager for over 16 years, Lisa knows the current PECMH well. Lisa describes the hospital as “tired” after decades of faithful service since 1959. While the Quinte Health team has done incredible work keeping things running, the limitations—many of them invisible to patients—have built up.
“Technology, accessibility and space are all daily challenges. The new hospital will bring relief and renewal. It will be equipped with advanced technology that will make a real difference. With updated systems like duress alarms, comprehensive patient wandering support, and other safety technology advancements, staff will be able to concentrate fully on their work supporting patients,” explained Lisa.
Chris, who grew up and lives in the County, shares Lisa’s enthusiasm and views the project as, “a new start for everyone.”
“Even parking will be improved, which might seem minor but is a big deal for patients and visitors,” Chris explained.
For Chris, it’s like building a new factory from scratch, except this one is for people. “There’s a fresh attitude that comes with a new building. A lot of people have shared their input, and that makes it efficient and exciting,” Chris said. “Beyond the building structure, we’re already planning the procurement of items for the new hospital. Everything from new medical equipment right down to the coat hooks on doors.”
Despite the usual challenges that come with major builds—unknown underground conditions and changing weather—Chris is proud of the teamwork among Quinte Health staff and the close coordination required to keep the existing hospital operational, with little disruption, throughout construction.
What has made this journey especially rewarding is the community’s investment. Lisa, who is also from the County, feels the excitement and pride in every conversation she has with County residents. “When I am out in the community, like the grocery store, people often stop me and ask how the build is going. It’s exciting because this really is their hospital too.”
Chris shares that he often hears the same enthusiasm from residents, which makes his work more meaningful. “Hospitals touch everyone’s lives—it’s not just another building.”
Learn more about the PECMH Build.
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