CEO: Grant will help Clarion Hospital meet patients’ needs

Clarion Hospital’s CEO believes a $1 million grant the state approved last week to provide for major upgrades to the emergency room will go a long way to establishing patient and family comfort level as they enter the hospital.

“The Emergency Department is the front door to our hospital, and many times a patient’s entry into our health system and the many services we offer,” Steven Davis said.

“There will be a lot of planning to ensure the expansion project includes state-of-the-art design to meet the diverse needs of our patient population, including increased elderly, behavioral health and opioid addiction.”

According to a press release from state Rep. Donna Oberlander, R-63rd District, and state Sen. Scott Hutchinson, R-21st District, the funding will be used to complete a renovation of the current emergency room, permitting the hospital to see additional patients and meet the current demand for emergency services.

Specifically, the waiting room will be expanded and three more exam rooms added.

The overall project cost is about $2 million. According to estimates, the project will create 25 construction jobs while offering a much-needed boost to the local economy.

Additionally, the project will ensure the current 500 employees of the hospital will continue to be employed.

“We have an intense focus on sustainability and commitment to our mission of improving and enhancing the health of our local community, as evidenced by our recent investment in telemedicine for stroke patients,” Davis said.

Anticipated enhancements include space and design elements to improve patient safety, privacy, access and experience.

John Stroup, executive director of the Clarion Hospital Foundation, which raises funds and awareness for projects and services that support the hospital, said the efforts of Oberlander, Hutchinson and state Sen. Joe Scarnati, R-25th District, were instrumental in securing funds from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Projects program.

“It was a group effort securing this grant,” Stroup said.