Open house to introduce Wayne Memorial's new patient tower

Patricia Love of Lackawaxen had one word to describe her new room in Wayne Memorial Hospital’s just completed patient tower.

"Awesome!" she said.

Accompanied by her husband, John, Love was the first patient admitted to one of 50 new private rooms in the 85,000-square-foot tower, called the G wing, a $35 million dollar project begun two years ago, along with $5 million in interior renovations. The rooms are much more spacious than the older, semi-private rooms at the hospital. Each room is wired with smart technology, like an updated nurse call system and advanced whiteboard, which electronically displays the names and photos of the providers who visit the patient’s room. (No more wondering who just visited...)

The public is invited to see the G wing at a ribbon cutting and open house to be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7.

“It’s an understatement to say we’re excited to show off our new building,” said CEO David Hoff, “Our staff was the first to see it, and they were impressed. We hope the public will be also.”

The private rooms on floors three and four were built to reduce the risk of infection, decrease noise and enhance communication between patients and their clinical teams. The fourth floor opened in early June, along with a same-day surgery unit on the second floor, and the third floor will be completed in mid-July.

One of the most prominent features, a glassed-in pedestrian concourse in the front of the hospital, will not be completed until August.

Lisa Champeau, public relations manager, said the hospital will be looking good in September, when there will be no construction equipment or parking issues challenging patient and visitor navigation.

"We’ll be ready with our hearts wide and our doors open — lots of refreshments, giveaways and music.”

For more information call 570-253-8993 or visit wmh.org.