Wayne Memorial ER gets busy

By TOM KANE

HONEDALE, PA — Wayne Memorial Hospital directors expect their emergency room (ER) nurses and doctors to get busier in the coming years.

The hospital’s new 10,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art ER facility was built to accommodate growing populations in Wayne County and Pike County, PA and Sullivan County, NY.

“The present ER sees more than 17,000 patient visits a year. That number grows by 400 to 600 visits annually. The new ER can accommodate up to 28,000 patient visits per year,” said Wayne Memorial Executive Director David Hoff.

The hospital opened the new facility to patients on Monday, following a November 4 ribbon cutting and tours throughout the weekend. Many hospital staffers, local physicians and county and Honesdale Borough officials attended the ceremony.

The facility offers 12 private examining rooms with sliding doors, allowing doctors to treat patients away from typical ER clamor. Additional space is available for other hospital functions on second and third floors.

“On the second floor, we’ll have a conference center, an education center and some room for more clinical services,” Hoff said. “Then on the third floor, we’re looking to offer an in-patient rehabilitation facility like that offered by Allied Rehab Services.”

Construction of the new building completes Phase I of Wayne Memorial’s $22 million capital expansion project. This year the hospital launched a capital campaign, “Operation Vital Signs,” to help pay for the overall project.

Honesdale realtor Paul Meagher of ReMax Realty spoke of the new ER facility’s role in attracting new residents to the region. “When prospective buyers of real estate come into the county, there are two things they ask about immediately,” Meagher said. “The first is the quality of the local schools and the second is the quality of the health care in the county. This facility is adding to the ability of health professionals to offer top-notch health care to our residents.”