By Mary Owen
Santiam Memorial Hospital is racing right along with its $30 million expansion project.
“We’re happy to report that we’re right on time and under budget,” said Maggie Hudson, director of operations and financial services. “We are extremely pleased with the construction project.”
As concrete work starts to wind down, structural steel is ramping up, according to the latest field progress report.
Moving forward, Howard S. Wright Constructors, builders on the project, have placed metal decking on the first floor and concrete is slated to be poured June 10.
“The quality of work with Howard S. Wright has been remarkable,” said Hudson, who attributes the project’s smooth sailing to the contracting company. “The north and zouth stair towers are already up, as well as the elevator shaft.”
The project, slated for completion in July 2012, will provide new quarters for the hospital surgery center on the entire first floor. The new facility will provide central processing, materials management, and mechanical and electrical equipment on the lower level.
The second floor will house the family birth center and an inpatient medical/surgical unit. The top floor will accommodate an intensive care unit (ICU) and an inpatient medical/surgical unit.
Currently, Santiam Memorial operates a 40-bed acute care facility and three on-campus clinics, as well as off-site clinics in Mill City, Sublimity and Aumsville.
The expansion will allow the hospital to build its complement of physicians and services, Hudson said.
“Santiam Memorial Hospital is growing to meet the changing medical needs of the people and communities we serve,” said Terry Fletchall, CEO and hospital administrator. “Over the past 60 years Santiam Memorial Hospital has grown to accommodate a service area of more than 30,000 people. Today’s investment is significant and a meaningful investment in the healthcare and quality of life of the people and the community.”
Santiam Memorial is dedicated to providing “every community member with personal, friendly and compassionate care,” Fletchall said.
Part of that care is to provide avenues for local residents to stay healthy, Hudson said.
