HMC Holds Beam-signing Ceremony for New ED, Medical Office Building
HOLYOKE — Holyoke Medical Center (HMC) recently held a ceremonial signing of the last beam to be installed in the new Emergency Department and Medical Office Building, a time-honored tradition of new buildings. The new Emergency Department will expand the current space from 8,500 square feet to approximately 20,750 square feet. The Medical Office Building will be approximately 18,000 square feet.
The ceremony allowed Holyoke Medical Center the opportunity to thank the many funding partners of this project, and U.S. Rep. Richard Neal for his efforts in helping to procure millions of dollars in new market tax credits.
“As a leading ranking member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Richard Neal has fought for many years to continue authorizing funding of new market tax credits,” said Spiros Hatiras, president and CEO of Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems Inc. “Holyoke Medical Center has needed a new Emergency Department for a very long time. Through the public and private funding partnerships provided by the Health Policy Commission, MassDevelopment, People’s United Bank, JPMorgan Chase, and A.I. Wainwright, our community will be able to realize the state-of-the-art care that would otherwise not have been possible.”
The total project cost is approximately $23.8 million, with approximately $5.5 million provided through new market tax credits. The project is running on schedule and is expected to be completed in spring of 2017. The Emergency Department will feature a new Crisis Center for Psychiatric Services, 40 treatment areas, multi-patient trauma rooms, advanced life-saving equipment, and a patient-navigation service. This will allow HMC to treat patients in a more efficient and dignified way.
The second floor of the new building will be the home of a comprehensive weight- and health-management program, including services for bariatric surgery, general surgery, diabetes counseling, behavioral and nutritional education, as well as a patient fitness center.