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News Release
UPMC NORTHWEST’S REHAB/TCU WORK $8 million project is on schedule for completion in the spring February 10, 2009 — Construction of UPMC Northwest’s new rehabilitation center/transitional care unit is 75 percent finished, and the project is on schedule for completion in mid May, according to project manager Dale May of Marshall Erdman, the general contractor. After completion of the steel structure, brick exterior and installation of windows in the fall, most work moved inside and it is proceeding smoothly, Mr. May says. Framing of walls and installation of drywall are almost finished, and work on electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning are moving ahead. Finish work also is in progress in some parts of the one-story building, including painting, tile work, and installation of cabinets and flooring. Outside finish work including paving and landscaping will get under way in the spring. So far the rehab/TCU project “really has been a great job,” Mr. May says. “You get a handful of projects that go this smoothly in a lifetime. We’ve really had no issues. It’s been great, and UPMC has been great to work with.” The new unit will greatly improve the environment of care for rehab/TCU patients. It will allow direct on-site access to the emergency and imaging departments, operating room, and other diagnostic and treatment services that currently require transporting patients from the existing unit in Oil City to UPMC Northwest’s main hospital campus in Seneca. The new site also will offer improved physician coverage and improved food service, among other features. UPMC and UPMC Northwest Foundation are funding the one-story, $8 million facility, which will have nine rehab beds and 16 transitional care beds. Also included will be outpatient physical, occupational and speech therapy facilities that will make these services available to outpatients for the first time at the hospital’s Seneca campus. Rehabilitative care helps patients achieve as much physical and mental function as possible after an illness or injury (including stroke, hip fractures and neurologic disorders) and assists them in becoming as independent as possible. Transitional care is for patients who no longer require acute inpatient care but still need some medical attention and more time to recover before going home or entering another level of care.
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