GLOVERSVILLE - Nathan Littauer Hospital's $1.3 million renovation project at its maternity unit should be finished by mid-December, the Fulton County Economic Development Corp. board heard last week.
Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer Laurence Kelly told EDC officials the new look for the maternity wing should be completed in time to "deliver babies before Christmas." He said the wing has been "gutted and rebuilt."
Kelly also reported his hospital's financial situation "continues to be extraordinarily positive."
In 2008, Nathan Littauer Hospital in Gloversville received $250,000 in state grant money to expand the emergency room, renovate the maternity unit and acquire new radiology equipment.
Nathan Littauer Hospital officials in March announced the maternity renovation as part of the hospital's strategic plan. The plan, which began in 2006, included a renovation of the wing, which is about 50 years old. It has not been significantly altered since the mid-1990s, officials said during the spring. Renovations include private bathrooms in the rooms, warming beds and a family waiting room.
The Nathan Littauer Foundation previously announced it was seeking more than $4 million to continue the improvement of the technology and facilities associated with the hospital. The project started in 2006 as a five-year plan. Many pieces of equipment only will last five years before they are considered old by industry standards, Kelly said.
The hospital by 2008 spent approximately $9 million as part of the Littauer Campaign for Excellence, which included a primary care center that opened in the town of Perth, the purchase of new imaging equipment and the opening of a digital radiology room.
Elsewhere in his report to the EDC, Kelly said an expansion of the hospital's emergency room has begun. In the next three months, he said, the largest effect will be in the front area of the building.
By the middle of December, Kelly said he expects the addition on the hospital should be enclosed.
Michael Anich covers Johnstown and Fulton County news. He can be reached at johnstown@leaderherald.com