Mount Nittany Medical Center has been serving the health care needs of Centre Region residents since 1972, and at this week’s meeting of the Centre County Board of Commissioners, hospital brass announced $20 million in campus renovations to even better meet those needs.
‘We are growing in many facets and we want to be able to keep up with everything that’s going on at the hospital,’ said Steve Brown, MNMC’s president and CEO. ‘These projects will be paid through the Hospital Authority, and there will be no additional charge to the county. These project are in our five-year plan and now is the time to get them taken care of.’
According to Rich Wisniewski, former CFO and vice president of MNMC, five projects are on the agenda, including:
■ The construction of a two-story parking garage on the side of a current parking lot. The project will increase the number of parking spaces by 300.
■ The replacement of boilers. Four boilers are currently used at the facility, and, according to Wisniewski, the hospital is using two boilers that were originally installed when the facility was constructed in 1972. He said although the boilers have been well-maintained, replacing the old boilers will give MNMC a more sufficient way of heating the buildings and the water used within.
■ The purchase of a linear accelerator for treatment of cancer patients.
■ The expansion of the cardiovascular suite. The suite was originally constructed in 2000, and since has seen a drastic increase in patients seeking cardiovascular services.
■ Improvements to the ground floor. Wisniewski said particular attention needs to be paid to the kitchen area, which has not been updated or improved since the building’s construction. He said the kitchen was originally designed to serve between 60 and 90 meals per day; however, recent counts show between 160 and 190 meals prepared and served each day.
‘I think all our facilities are in good shape and up-to-date; however, there are still things we have to do to keep things improving,’ said Brown. ‘All these projects are based on growth and the need in the community. We’re now drawing patients from six different counties and we serve more than 500,000 residents. These expansions are important.’
According to Brown, all five projects should be completed by the second quarter of 2017.
In addition, MNMC is looking to refinance bonds issued in 2011. Brown said with the current low-interest rates, this refinancing could save the hospital about $5.7 million.
‘This is the kind of money we want to use to reinvest in the community,’ said Brown.
Commissioner Steven Dershem lauded the efforts of Mount Nittany.
‘I think you guys are doing a fantastic job,’ commented Dershem. ‘It’s really apparent that smart money management is why you are in the exact position you are in now.’
Commissioner Mark Higgins echoed Dershem’s remarks.
‘I’m also happy to see that we can save more than $5 million by refinancing,’ he said. ‘This expansion and these projects should create several new jobs in our region.’
Officially, the commissioners acted by adopting Resolution No. 4 of 2016 relating the the issuance of one or more series of hospital revenue obligations, in an amount not to exceed $110 million for financing and/or reimbursing the costs of the acquisition, construction, installation and equipping of certain renovations, expansion and improvements to the existing facilities.
‘I’m glad these projects are happening and without any cost to the county,’ said Chairman Commissioner Michael Pipe. “Mount Nittany Medical Center is truly an asset to our residents, and residents of surrounding counties. I can’t wait for construction to begin.”
