The $15 million expansion project at Bradford Regional Medical
Center is right on – on budget and on time, that is.

“The project is going very well,” Washington said. “We continue
to be on time. We are extremely pleased with the progress that
continues to be made.”

Washington, senior vice president of operations, reported
progress can be readily seen on Interstate Parkway in that Kessel
Construction and Bisett Building Center have poured the cement for
the concrete foundation and footers.

One question Washington has addressed frequently is how the
winter weather is affecting the construction. The answer is it’s
not. Washington credits that to BBL Medical Facilities, the primary
contractor, which is based in Albany, N.Y.

“They are used to being out there year round,” Washington said,
adding that attribute played a part in BRMC officials picking BBL.
“They have not slowed down.”

Washington added that in a project of this magnitude, workers
would undoubtedly have to work in bad weather.

“They have to know how to build in inclement weather … in the
climate we have …”

The project has also stayed the line with the budget.

“We are right on budget,” Washington said. Some bids have
actually come in below what they thought. “We are very pleased with
that.”

The worldwide demand for construction products, such as steel
and concrete, included the price tag for the project before it even
started.

The raw materials have gone up about 20 percent, Washington
said.

Washington noted that many of the bids awarded so far have gone
to local contractors, such as Kessel Construction, who in turn is
using Bisett Building Center as a contractor for the concrete
foundation.

Wayne Gravel Products of Shinglehouse worked on excavation and
the lower parking lot.

“We are pleased with the way that has turned out,” Washington
said. Even while the price of materials have gone up, the bids have
been reasonable, allowing the project to stay on target
money-wise.

A “Web cam” also makes it possible for viewers anywhere in the
world to watch the progress.

“The public has been extra gracious and understanding of the
construction,” Washington said. “There will be disruptions, but we
are in the business of taking care of patients. We have an
accountability to the public to do everything possible to do
that.”

“We are making a lot of effort that everyone is kept
informed.”

There’s also ongoing efforts to keep the staff informed of
what’s going on in the project.

Part of that progress is visible now.

One parking lot on the lower end of BRMC’s property has been
finished, which added about 100 spaces that were much needed,
Washington said, to bring the facility more accessible to patients.
Parking spaces on Pleasant Street were lost to the construction
project.

The Church of the Nazarene officials have also opened their
parking lot – about 50 spaces.

“That proved to be a godsend,” Washington said. “Hospital
managers parked down there to free up parking for visitors and
patients.”

Another move has been the closure of the outpatient entrance.
People have been directed to use The Pavilion at BRMC. The new
outpatient entrance will eventually be the main entrance to
BRMC.

“It’s gone fairly smooth,” Washington said. A volunteer has been
posted by the door to show people where to go.

The addition is expected to be completed by the end of 2006.
Workers will then turn their attention to the renovation of the
emergency department. Officials will start focusing on the planning
in the next several months.

“We are really excited about that,” Washington said. “It will
double the square footage of the existing emergency
department.”

Currently, the emergency department is set up to see between
7,000 to 8,000 patients annually. They actually see up to 16,000
patients a year, resulting in less privacy for patients and a
longer treatment time to get the patients through.

Washington was not sure when that phase of the project will be
done.

According to Kimberly Maben, communications director at BRMC, as
with all campaigns, the “private ask” started first. The public
campaign will start around the end of February/beginning of
March.

BRMC auxiliary has pledged $300,000 toward the project and
today, the employees have pledged $187,000 – the largest
contribution by employees in any hospital construction campaign in
the history of BRMC.

In addition to public and employee contributions, the project is
also funded through bond refinancing and state economic development
grants.