The board of directors of Eastern Niagara Hospital (ENH) has approved a plan to construct a state-of-the-art building on the Hospital's Lockport campus that will house a new emergency department and medical office building. The two-story 21,000-square-foot building will be located near the hospital's entrance off East Avenue.
George V.C. Muscato, chairman of the board, stated, "The need to replace the ED has been a top priority for the hospital. ENH was recently awarded $5.9 million toward this project from the NYSDOH, of which we are very appreciative. The anticipated total cost of the project is $8.2 million. The hospital would commit to the remaining amount of funds. This will be a significant benefit for our community, and the board is extremely pleased to authorize this plan and make this project a reality."
The new, 16-treatment room unit will contain all private treatment areas, with space designated for orthopedics, trauma and child psych evaluations.
Leonard Franco, M.D., director of emergency services, said, "The design would allow our medical professionals to provide the highest level of care with full observation of each patient room. The size of the new unit would also increase significantly, providing 7,725 square feet of additional space in the emergency department. This upgrade will also benefit our local EMS providers, assisting them in a more expeditious transfer of patients."
Additionally, the plan calls for a medical office building above the ED on the second floor of the building. This office building will house ENH's family medicine residency practice. Additional space will also be allotted for outpatient mental health services, as well as offices for medical specialists.
Nicholas Varallo, M.D., medical director, stated, "The need for primary care and specialty services continues to grow in our region. These enhancements will make services more accessible and improve patient care throughout our entire system as we strive to provide optimum care for the community."
The hospital will proceed expeditiously to complete its planning and submit an application to the New York State Department of Health for approval of the project.
