The Salem Township Hospital Board Wednesday afternoon learned the A-wing renovation into a facility for three medical providers would not be completed as soon as originally hoped.
Hospital President Alex Nazarian says they are now looking for completion at the earliest in late January.
“During the construction process we came across some problems about humidification infrastructure that required some extra decision making and some extra work on the equipment and that might delay us by a couple of weeks.”
Meanwhile, Nazarian says work is moving forward rapidly on raising the front parking lot to the same level as the front lobby entrance.
“The walls went up now we are busy with putting the brick both inside and outside for the aesthetic reasons it’s been leveled to the point it actually resembles what the final parking lot will look like. This morning we installed the footings for the light poles, we are pouring the concrete sidewalks as we speak. So within 2 or 3 weeks we will start with the blacktop.”
Nazarian says now that everyone can see what the project will do for those with mobility problems they understand why the project was undertaken.
The board approved its annual property tax levy on property in Salem Township. The levy totals $272,644 and includes $124,439 to subsidize liability, workers’ compensation, fire and extended insurance coverage and $148,205 to subsidize utility costs.
The board was told it was another profitable month for the hospital with net income of $1,470,000 for the month of July. CFO Amy Gray reported the hospital set aside $315,000 for charity care bringing the total for the year to date to $1.1-million. Outpatient volumes were all above budget while inpatient numbers continue to lag last year. Gray reported expenses were kept below budget.
Plant Operations/Safety Director Brad Crane in his report noted the drinking fountains that have been covered since COVID are now being replaced with bottled water coolers as a more sanitary option.
The new retaining wall for the parking lot being elevated outside the front lobby. There will be steps to go from the lower parking lot to the new elevated lot. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
