The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

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November 7, 2009

$7 million in renovations providing more than a facelift

By Bev Davis

SUMMERSVILLE — When it’s all said and done, more than $7 million worth of renovations and new construction will do far more than give Summersville Memorial Hospital a facelift.

Space formerly used as the intensive care unit underwent a massive overhaul to create a new emergency room, increasing the capacity from 10 to 18 beds.

“The old ER was so crowded, and it was harder for staff to work and more congested for patients,” said Deborah Hill, CEO. “We have seen a larger census, particularly in recent weeks with the swine flu cases. It has helped tremendously to have the space to move patients through more efficiently. It has made a huge difference.”

A new addition near the new ER has added nine more med-surg beds to the hospital.

“We were licensed for 53 acute care beds, but we were down to 41,” Hill said. “This additional space will get us up to our acute care capacity.”

Two new obstetrical rooms will make private rooms available for all moms.

“After we open the new rooms, we will renovate the old ones, and that will give us six private labor rooms. The rooms will be attractively furnished with large windows, and there will be a much more relaxed atmosphere,” Hill said.

The section formerly used as the ER now provides much-needed additional laboratory space.

“This move will provide more space and save time for our lab staff. There will be much more room for them to work, and they won’t have to be constantly going back and forth to the old lab area, which is right in the middle of our nursing home,” Hill said.

There’s no question all of the work is transforming the look of SMH.

“We are really pleased with how nice the new additions look, as well as how they have improved efficiency. People have definitely noticed a difference in the way we look, but the biggest benefit is that these areas will make service much more functional,” Hill said.

The projects are slated for completion in January, she said.

“This is a big growth phase for us. There’s something new every day, and we’re excited about it,” Hill said. “Our goal is to provide an easily accessible, modern facility with skilled staff and cutting edge technology.”

SMH also operates satellite sites at Ansted and Richwood and a sleep diagnostics center.

— E-mail: bdavis@register-herald.com

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