The Salem Township Hospital expansion and renovation of the emergency and operating rooms remains on schedule and on budget entering a new phase of the project.
Hospital CEO Jim Timpe says patients will soon see a big change in the emergency room operation.
“We’re right on target for April to move our emergency room to its temporary location in the interior of the hospital on the same floor, just about a hundred feet over in the new same-day surgery area,” Timpe said. At that time the emergency room will close in its existing location and the demolition will start in there. That will go on for almost a year. We will have a temporary ER for about a year, and we are definitely recommending that people use the second-floor entrance during that time.
Timpe says the hospital’s new orthopedic surgeon has started out strong.
“Dr. Van den Bogaerde started in January, and he’s already seen well over 100 patients,” Timpe said. “He’s seeing lots of people each day. He can see patients anywhere from two years old and up, and he’s also a sports medicine doctor. We’re thrilled to have him. He’s seen lots of patients, and he’s been doing surgery as well. We’re happy we can offer that service to the community.”
Timpe also reported staffing has improved with a few new nurses joining the hospital. They are still looking for two new nurse practioners to fill openings at the West Whitaker Family Practice Office.
Timpe notes while January was a challenging month due to cancellations as a result of the winter storm. However, for the fiscal year as a whole the hospital is over budget.
The hospital is doing well on patient satisfaction surveys. Overall, 93.6 percent are recommending the hospital compared to their goal of 86.5.
