Friday, May 13, 2016
Main Line Health and Bryn Mawr Hospital officials Wednesday morning broke ground for the start of a $200 million expansion project that will add private patient rooms, surgical units, and operating rooms to the hospital that will be celebrating its 150th anniversary at about the same time the work is completed in a couple of years.
Prior to the ceremonial shovels being pushed into the dirt, several hospital officials spoke on the project and its need for the community.
Andi Gilbert, president of Bryn Mawr Hospital, described the expansion as a modernization project that will add 200,000 square feet with two-floors of private state-of-the-art rooms.
“The pavilion will connect floor-by-floor with the existing hospital and create an improved experience with patients in part by maximizing the use of natural light and creating efficient work spaces for our caregivers,” Gilbert said.
In an interview following the groundbreaking ceremony, Gilbert said the plans for the project go back many years. “It’s been long in development – over a decade of planning with lots of collaboration,” said Gilbert.
According to a press release with details of the project, the $200 million patient pavilion will also have two new medical/surgical telemetry units and a new intensive care unit. There also will be 12 new operating rooms in what they described as a state-of-the-art surgical suite. Finally, there will also be renovated maternity and delivery rooms as a part of the project.
“May 11, 2016, we should remember this day for many generations ... The debate is over. [Bryn Mawr Hospital]will be here. It will be a vibrant institution forever more,” said Mike Buongiorno, chief financial officer for Main Line Health.
The new structure will be located along County Line Road near Lindsay Avenue where older buildings recently were demolished.
Several members of the Bryn Mawr Hospital and Main Line Health staff were present for the ceremony, along with Lower Merion officials.
“Bryn Mawr Hospital is making a remarkable upgrade and investment which will benefit everyone in our community. The hospital is also improving the signage, sidewalks, and landscaping, which is so important for the hospital’s neighbors and visitors,” Scott Zelov, Lower Merion Commissioner for Bryn Mawr, said following the ceremony.
Steve Aichele, chairman of the Board of Governors for Main Line Health, said it is also important to thank the public for the project.
“I don’t want to leave without thanking the community because that’s who really supports this,” Aichele said. The foundation board has been tremendous. I have every confidence they will continue to be tremendous, but the community – without the community’s support this doesn’t work.”
“This hospital continues to be the epitome of a community hospital,” said Joe Vernace, president of the medical staff at Bryn Mawr. “It’s a place where visitors feel welcomed and helped. It’s a place where patients feel not like a number but rather like the number one priority. It’s a place where patients receive the best nursing care anywhere around. And it’s a place where families have chosen to come to find hope and healing generation after generation,”
According to Gilbert, the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2018.
“We’re just thrilled to be able to offer the community the kind of facilities that reflect the kind of care they receive when they are patients here,” Gilbert said.
Source : mainlinemedianews.com
