WINDBER - Construction of a new, $6.5 million emergency department is expected to begin next year at Windber Medical Center.
Administrators said the project, for which they're still raising money, will ease growing pressures on a facility that was designed for 5,000 patients annually but treats more than 14,000.
The expanded emergency room also will create about 25 new health-care jobs.
"I believe that we will be breaking ground and starting construction next year," said Linda Fanale, the hospital's chief financial officer.
Hospital leaders listed the emergency-room expansion as one of their top three priorities during a meeting Monday with U.S. Rep. Mark Critz, D-Johnstown.
Barbara Cliff, Windber Medical Center's president and chief executive officer, said hospital staff have been able to keep wait times relatively short for emergency visits.
"We monitor that very closely,...
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