Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC) will begin construction next month on its $6 million expansion of its Emergency Department after a formal ground breaking ceremony last week at the hospital’s main campus.

CRMC’s new Emergency Department will more than double in size, expanding from 7,500 square feet to 17,500 square feet, and will dramatically enhance the level of service by treating more patients and shortening visit times. The number of fast track bays for minor injuries will be increased from four to eight. Additionally, the current eight acute care bays and one mental health bay will be expanded and redistributed to sixteen bays.  The new department is expected to be open next summer.

“We’ve been working hard to continue to improve Sullivan County’s hospital and are excited to enhance quality patient care services to the community,” said Steven Ruwoldt, CEO of Catskill Regional Medical Center. “With the leadership of our community-based Board of Directors, our partner, Orange Regional Medical Center, the Greater Hudson Valley Health System and our extraordinary staff, we have made great strides in advancing patient care for our community. We are excited to celebrate the start of construction on our expanded Emergency Department.”

Business leaders, elected officials and community members attended and delivered remarks. Speakers included Gerald Skoda, Chairman of CRMC’s Board of Directors; State Senator John Bonacic; Congressman Maurice Hinchey; Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther; Granite Associates, LP Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff Darrell Supak; Sullivan County Legislature Minority Leader Leni Binder; Town of Thompson Deputy Supervisor George Cooke on behalf of Supervisor Tony Cellini and Sullivan County Partnership President Tim McCausland.

“The start of construction on this project is an important step forward for Catskill Regional Medical Center that will provide improved health services to the region,” said Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY). “I was very pleased to secure federal funding for the construction of the new state-of-the-art Emergency Department.  Once completed, this new facility will be able to serve a much greater number of patients in an even more effective manner.  As we celebrate the groundbreaking today, we look forward to next year’s ribbon-cutting to formally open the new Emergency Department.”

Ruwoldt announced several other important CRMC initiatives at the ceremony. Through a grant from HEAL NY, the hospital will begin construction to expand its primary care and outpatient diagnostic services throughout Sullivan County, including an expansion at Grover M. Hermann Hospital, new diagnostic centers in Monticello and Callicoon, and a new family health center in Livingston Manor. CRMC also recently purchased a new 64-Slice CT Scanner for its main Harris campus to provide state-of-the-art diagnostic services.

“These projects will improve access to our services and create a more modern environment for our patients,” said Ruwoldt. “We are excited about all of them and believe they represent a substantial investment toward our pledge to deliver the highest level of patient care, experienced physicians and advanced technology. We will continue to enhance the access and quality of healthcare in Sullivan County and its surrounding communities.”

Ruwoldt acknowledged that the project would not be possible without the help of some of the elected officials and community members who attended the ceremony. Senator Bonacic helped secure almost $2.5 million in funding for construction and equipment; The Gerry Foundation contributed almost $2.5 million toward the project; Congressman Hinchey secured $300,000 in federal funding and the Rural Health Access Grant enabled CRMC to get more than $200,000 for equipment.

(Paloma Gefen – YWN)