Wayne Memorial preps to open high-tech addition

ERICA HIGHHOUSE
Posted 5/29/19

HONESDALE, PA — Wayne Memorial Hospital (WMH) is planning on opening its new addition this summer after two years of construction and planning. Wayne Memorial spokespeople couldn’t say an …

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Wayne Memorial preps to open high-tech addition

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HONESDALE, PA — Wayne Memorial Hospital (WMH) is planning on opening its new addition this summer after two years of construction and planning.

Wayne Memorial spokespeople couldn’t say an exact opening day, as they await Department of Health inspections in late May and early June. The cost of the project was estimated to be somewhere around $35 million, and another $5 million for renovations inside, putting the cost of the whole project at roughly $40 million. The hospital has been raising money to cover the price tag.

The 85,000-square-foot tower will include 50 private patient rooms, hi-tech digital display boards, as well as interactive TV sets that offer educational videos, games, and other applications, including Netflix for patients.

Staff members are receiving training in the new “smart” equipment that the “G” wing has to offer.

In a letter to WMH’s CEO David Hoff, nursing supervisor Kimberly Smith said she was “rendered absolutely speechless,” by the new wing. The hospital quoted her letter and Hoff’s response in a press release touting enthusiasm for the new wing.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer this type of space to our community,” Hoff said. He noted that private rooms are not only highly desirable in today’s healthcare environment, but also efficient in preventing infection and controlling noise levels. They help encourage better communication between patients and clinical teams as well. “We can’t wait to show the public,” he added.

The hospital bought up land and homes in its vicinity to build the lot, prompting a bit of controversy when a neighbor put up a fence with “WMH SUCKS. NO PRIVACY” painted on the side. The hospital ultimatelypaid for the fence that separated his property from the construction.

During the nearly two-year-long construction period, hospital visitors were prompted to park in a different lot and use a crosswalk to access the hospital.

Hoff thanked patients and visitors for their patience with parking challenges during construction. He noted that a parking lot adjacent to the tower should be completed by early June, which will help accommodate hospital guests.

The hospital is also constructing a glassed-in pedestrian concourse that will connect the new tower with the current main entrance.

When the project is completely finished this summer, the hospital will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

news, Pennsylvania, wayne county, Wayne memorial hospital, healthcare

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