Published in the Herald and News June 21, 2005
By HOLLY OWENS
Herald and News staff writer
A new entrance into Merle West Medical Center is now open -- a day ahead of schedule.
The entry, at the north end of the building, opened Monday and will be in use until some point in late 2006 when a $40 million, 100,000-square-foot construction and modernization project at the hospital is completed.
A bright orange and yellow awning, which covers the handicap entry to the door, will be lit during the evening hours. "It ought to stand out at night," said Tom Hottman, spokesman for Merle West.
Barricades went up Monday morning to block access to the former entrance, and workers are erecting a fence this week around the construction area for the new addition. Demolition of the former entrance should begin in about two weeks, Hottman said.
During the construction the hospital is offering a shuttle service from the parking area to the new entrance. Two golf carts operated by hospital staff are available to ferry visitors to and from the entrance. The parking lot has also been redesigned to allow handicap parking at the new entrance.
And more changes are coming.
"Next big thing people will notice is the big fence," Hottman said, referring to the fence that will surround the construction site.
"There's going to be a lot of noise, some dirt, demolition up front," Hottman said. "It's going to be noisy and inconvenient and we appreciate the cooperation and patience and understanding."
To keep the community informed, the hospital will have regular updates about changes at the hospital in Sunday editions of the Herald and News, and more often if necessary, Hottman said.
For those who want to get a sneak peek at what patient rooms will be like in the new addition, there are tours available of a model room that has been constructed at Merle West.
"This is the result of lots and lots of staff input," Hottman said. "There has been a lot of dialogue and planning and thought."
The new room design reflects the change in how hospitals provide for their patients. There is space for a patient's family members and the decor is something closer to home.
"Now we're able to build with technology in mind, with a whole person in mind," Hottman said. "Looking out for the physical, emotional and spiritual side of things."
Fund-raising for the project is going well so far. A goal of raising $10 million by mid-June was nearly met, Hottman said.
"We're not quite there," he said. "But people have been very generous."
The new entrance is open 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. After visiting hours access is available through the emergency room department. Shuttle service is available 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
To arrange a tour of the model room, call Sally-Ann Palcovich at 885-4768.