November 27, 2018
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center will host a groundbreaking ceremony at 10 a.m. Tuesday to kick off construction of a new outpatient surgery unit and imaging suite at East Hospital.
The $26 million west wing expansion project consists of the enlargement and partial renovation of the existing surgical services area on the second floor. When complete, the new outpatient surgery unit and imaging suite will house four state-of-the-art operating rooms, including a hybrid operating room for interventional radiology procedures, pre-op and post anesthesia care units, a new imaging suite, respiratory care, a spacious waiting room and private consultation rooms.
“Wexner Medical Center plays a critical role in serving the health needs of our community. This new outpatient surgery unit and imaging suite will feature the latest technology and enhance our ability to provide high-quality care to residents in near east Columbus and the surrounding neighborhoods,” said David McQuaid, chief executive officer of The Ohio State University Health System.
The new 40,300-square-foot outpatient surgery unit and imaging suite includes the renovation of 11,800 square feet of the existing surgical services area and the addition of 28,500 square feet at the west entrance of the East Hospital campus. The unit design incorporates environmentally friendly building principles such as glass curtain walls for plentiful natural light and energy conserving mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.
Site preparation will start Dec. 5, followed by construction of the unit in the spring of 2019. Work will conclude in spring 2020 and the new unit will open for patient care in the summer.
“The healthcare industry is seeing a shift of more and more surgeries from inpatient to outpatient. This new unit positions East Hospital to handle the growing demand for surgical services,” said Elizabeth Seely, chief administrative officer of the Hospitals Division for the Ohio State Health System.
When construction is complete, there will be a total of 14 operating rooms at East Hospital. Surgical services include general surgery; ear, nose and throat; gynecology; urology; colorectal; plastics; orthopedics; and vascular. Imaging capabilities include MRI, CT and digital x-ray.
“The west wing expansion will allow our clinical team to operate in a more efficient manner, improving the patient experience,” said Mary Howard, executive director of East Hospital. “The new west entrance is designed to create a similar arrival aesthetic to University Hospital and the unit layout will help with patient wayfinding.”
Media representatives are asked to call the Media Relations office at 614-293-3737 to make arrangements for event coverage.
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Media Contact: Serena Smith, Wexner Medical Center Media Relations, 614-293-3737 or Serena.Smith@osumc.edu