The Salem Township Hospital Board was told Monday afternoon that work is underway on the conversion of the vacant ‘A’ wing into new medical office facilities.
Hospital President Dr. Alex Nazarian gave the update.
“The first phase was the pre-design phase, basically figuring out what we actually want and what can be done with the space with an architectural fire. The second phase is going into the design phase with the details with the architect then concurrently we are doing the demolition that would usually be part of the main project budget but we decided to move forward quicker and not wait for the detailed design is done. I want this to be ready within a year. On October one, we are going to have a new doctor to join us. I want this clinic to be ready for him to start practicing Day One. ”
Nazarian says since the work is being done in phases, there is not yet a total cost estimate for completing the project. Once complete, the facility will also house the rural health center.
The board was also told there had been heavy usage of the medical clinics and the laboratory during the current outbreak of the flu. Many doctors were using the lab to determine what type of respiratory disease a patient had so the proper medication could be prescribed. The board also noted testing for COVID-19 had also increased with more positive cases being found than in the last few months.
