Mount Nittany Expanding Emergency Department and Adding Comprehensive Cancer Center

At the meeting of the Mount Nittany Board of Trustees, design plans for a 5,500 square foot cancer center and 40,000 square foot emergency department expansion were recently approved.

In fiscal year 2010, more than 50,000 patients received emergency care at Mount Nittany Medical Center, and that figure is projected to increase steadily. To plan for community need and strategic growth, the Medical Center will renovate the existing emergency department and add an additional 40,000 square feet of clinical space, including new entrances to the emergency department and new parking areas and access roads. Entrance A and parking for visitors and patients using that entrance will be updated as well. Outpatient labs and registration will be conveniently located at Entrance A.

The emergency department expansion will add 40 new private patient rooms, each with its own restroom. The rooms will be constructed in a “pod” formation, allowing the department to flex as space is needed and provide each area with the necessary staffing and resources while moving patients to rooms quickly and efficiently. The new construction will move the helicopter pad to the roof of the emergency department with elevator access to the department itself. Site work for the project will begin in December. The project is expected to be completed in early 2013.

The cancer center will provide comprehensive cancer care to the community in a convenient location. It will utilize space currently occupied by Information Services while adding an additional level to the health services wing. The new space for information services will be located on the northeast side of the building, near the paramedics’ garage.

The cancer center will continue to provide radiation therapy services, in addition to exam spaces; the Lady Lions Resource Center; infusion base for medical oncology; pharmacy services; multidisciplinary, physical and occupational therapy areas; disease-specific meeting and care areas; support group meeting space and comfort spaces and amenities for patients, family and friends with food and beverages as well as meditation areas and consultation areas for pastoral care, dietitians and social work. Site work will begin in December. The project is expected to be completed in 2012.