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The Salem Township Hospital Board has approved a $43.6-million budget that includes $2.7-million for capital improvements and money for reconstruction of the A-wing into three doctor’s offices.

Hospital President Alex Nazarian says he is very optimistic about the upcoming year and feels they will finish the fiscal year on March 31st of next year with a positive balance for the year.

He reports the biggest project is the new doctor’s office facility in ‘A’ wing.

“The preliminary numbers are around 5.6 million dollars and the board approved to move forward with the project knowing those numbers.  We will seek financing for a portion of it and the other portion will be self-financed.”

Nazarian is still hopeful for completion in October, but says supply delays could be problematic.   The demolition of the old patient wing is almost complete. The new wing is expected to provide eight new jobs.  The hospital has already lined up one new physician to practice in the new clinic area.

Nazarian says the radiology department will receive three major piece of equipment including a new state of the art CT scan.

“We have a CT Scan that is quite efficient and effective with twice the amount of resolution.  Then we are going to purchase a new ultrasound machine as well and purchase a new x-ray machine.”

Nazarian says another major investment is creating negative pressure rooms in up to ten more patient rooms for infection control.  Those rooms became key in treating COVID-19 patients.

Nazarian says overall the budget is $7.4-million more than the last fiscal year budget.   Salaries are up $4-million with merit increases scheduled for employees along with an increase in health benefits to remove the co-pay.   Supply costs are anticipated to rise $800,000.