HARRISBURG – State funds allocated through Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) have been approved to expand the Emergency Department at Muncy Valley Hospital, a part of Susquehanna Health, according to state Senator Gene Yaw (R-23).
The $5 million RACP grant will be used to add 5,500 square feet and completely renovate 11,000 existing square feet to support the dramatic increase in patient visits that the hospital has experienced. The five current curtained bays will be replaced with 8 private rooms and 6 additional specialty rooms for patients needing behavioral health, decontamination and trauma/resuscitation services. These new patient rooms will allow for the addition of more modern technology, increased patient privacy, and improved infection control.
“There is no question this expansion project will help Muncy Valley Hospital staff perform their jobs, while meeting the increasing patient demand at the hospital,” Yaw said. “This is an important state investment that is expected to create approximately 20 new full and part-time positions. I was pleased to advocate for this important funding.”
Other improvements to be made to the hospital include a renovation and expansion of the Radiology Department, which will increase in size from 600 square feet to 1,300 square feet. In addition, Occupational Health Services will be renovated.
Originally built to treat 6,000 patients per year, the Emergency Department at Muncy Valley has seen an increase over the past five years from 11,000 to 16,500 patients annually. This demand has placed a strain on the hospital’s ability to offer necessary services and privacy in providing medical care.
“I am grateful for the efforts of Senator Yaw, the Senate leadership and the governor for their assistance in obtaining and approving this grant. The people of the Muncy and surrounding areas rely on the quality and location of the Muncy Valley Hospital Emergency department; its increasing use demonstrates the community’s confidence in Susquehanna Health. This grant provides the resources to grow and provide this essential service,” says Steve Johnson, President & CEO, Susquehanna Health.
First opened in 1922, Muncy Valley Hospital began as a simple 18-bed facility in a Victorian mansion. In 1945, a major building program allowed the hospital to maintain its reputation as an exceptional provider of medical care, continuing to add new and improved services. Shortly after entering into a partnership with Divine Providence Hospital in 1991, the hospital merged with Susquehanna Health, expanding the hospital’s range of medical services.
RACP is a commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects.
CONTACT:
Rita Zielonis, Chief of Staff
(717) 787-3280