Source: http://www.vcu-cmh.org/?id=392&sid=1
VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital held a groundbreaking event on Saturday, October 24, 2015 at the future site of the new hospital located at 1755 North Mecklenburg Avenue in South Hill, Virginia.
The new 166,700 square foot technologically-advanced facility will feature 70 private patient rooms and baths, including 10 intensive-coronary care rooms, four LDRPs (single room obstetrical care) and bariatric rooms that are specially equipped with ceiling mounted lifts to ensure patient and staff safety.
The new facility will also include three operating room suites, a cesarean section suite, and a 16-bay emergency department.
The new hospital will have a permanent cardiac catheterization lab to provide the most advanced cardiac care in the region and a full complement of diagnostic services including MRI, CT, nuclear medicine, cardiac, vascular and pulmonary studies. With the new hospital, obstetrics also return to the region.
With patients, families and visitors in mind, the facility will have modern décor with an abundance of natural lighting, along with a spacious cafeteria, a beautifully landscaped courtyard, and ample, convenient parking.
While welcoming the community to the event, W. Scott Burnette, CEO, VCU Health CMH, stated, “Today’s groundbreaking is symbolic of the fulfillment of just one of the commitments that VCU Health made to our community last year, namely, the construction of a state-of-the-art hospital. This facility will be a beacon of hope for all who are in need of care and it will be an anchor for future economic development for this region.”
After the welcome from Burnette, the Mecklenburg County, Air Force JROTC gave the presentation of colors, followed by Wayne Parrish, Chairmen of the VCU Health CMH Board of Directors, who recognized special guests.
Michael Rao, PhD, President, VCU and VCU Health System, and John F. Duval, CEO, VCU Hospitals and Clinics were also in attendance to discuss how the community will benefit from the new state-of-the-art facility. Other speakers included Earl Horne, Mayor of South Hill, Louis White, Auxiliary President, VCU Health CMH and John Strunk, MD, Chief of Staff, VCU Health CMH.
After ground was broken, hospital officials unveiled a rendering of the new hospital to the community in attendance. Guests then enjoyed a concert by the Homegrown Bluegrass Band, health screenings and family fun activities including children’s bounce houses and hay rides.
When CMH affiliated with VCU Health System in 2014, plans were immediately initiated to build a new hospital with VCU Health committing $80 million to the project.
DPR Construction of Richmond, Virginia is the general contractor for the project with SmithGroupJJR as its design partner. JLL, also of Richmond, Virginia will handle project management for the construction of the new facility.
The new hospital will be constructed on approximately seventy acres of land and is scheduled to open in late 2017.
In conclusion, Burnette said, “Lastly, I would ask that all of the CMH employees, Auxilians and Volunteers who are here today to stand and be recognized. Bricks and mortar are very important. But, it is these people who truly make the medical services we provide so exceptional. Our past, present and future success would not be possible without their dedication, service and their caring attitudes.”
CMH was founded in 1954 and has served the health care needs of Brunswick, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg and surrounding counties for more than 60 years.