Fort Hamilton celebrates ICU expansion

On Jan. 18, Fort Hamilton Hospital debuted the Ralph Rogan Carruthers Intensive Care Unit, a $16 million dollar expansion that was two years in the making. The expansion includes a two-story, 16-bed intensive care unit and expanded outpatient diagnostic services

The hospital celebrated the grand opening of the expansion with donors, associates, the chamber and the community at three lavish events.

The hospital began construction on the expansion in June 2004, with a goal of raising $16 million to $18 million to fund the project. Major contributors included a $3 million donation from Pat and Donna Carruthers and donations from the Health Alliance, Fort Hamilton Associates and physicians, and the hospital’s volunteer organizations. In addition community donors contributed more than $4 million dollars.

“When we first considered this new intensive care unit, it seemed to be an almost impossible task,” said Lynn Oswald senior vice president of Fort Hamilton Hospital. “But with the help of our community, our generous donors, the Health Alliance and all those who are supportive of high quality health care for residents of our community, our goal has been realized.”

Coming later in 2006 will be the completion of the expansion’s first floor, which will include additional radiology services, women’s services and surgical services. The new space will allow the hospital to treat an additional 1,500 critically ill patients each year and expand its critical-care capacity by more than 33 percent.

“Our new patient rooms, state-of-art equipment, the new helipad and all of its related support areas will help assure that our sickest patients and their families have the kind of care they need and deserve, close to home,” Oswald said.

Project Summary:

• $16 - $18 million project
• Two-story addition plus basement
• 42,000 square feet
• Radiology, cardiology, and outpatient services on the first floor
• Helipad on the roof

Benefits:

• Thirty-three percent increase in capacity for intensive care
• Meets new architectural guidelines for ICUs
• Secures natural growth corridor to the north
• Centralization of key diagnostic and outpatient services
• Allows for needed growth in the radiology, cardiology and vascular areas