WOMEN'S CENTER REBORN NEW USE APPROVED FOR AVH NURSING FACILITY.Byline: Karen Maeshiro Staff Writer LANCASTER - After a five-month reconsideration, Antelope Valley Hospital is proceeding with a plan to convert the 2-year-old skilled-nursing facility into a women's health and obstetrics center. The $15 million Women and Infant's Center is expected to be completed by February 2005. ``The concern was, what is the best utilization for that space? It took us some time to rule out some other potential uses,'' said Jim Flinn, chief operating officer. ``It will increase our capacity from 4,500 births a year to 7,900 births a year.'' The Women and Infant's Center is among four projects totaling $32.5 million that the board recently approved moving forward as part of the hospital's master plan. The other projects are a $4 million renovation of a fifth-floor ward from a skilled-nursing unit to a medical-surgical unit; the $3.5 million conversion of a third-floor ward from a postpartum section to skilled nursing; and construction of $10 million business services support building. The projects will be paid for from $55 million in funds the hospital had set aside earlier for future projects, Flinn said. ``All of these projects are identified on the master facilities plan, which is something the board reviews on an annual basis and makes sure is aligned with strategic priorities,'' Flinn said. The hospital's skilled-nursing facility is a $21 million entity, which is in its own building south of the main hospital, that was plagued with three years of delays and cost increases before opening in 2001. Converting it into the maternity center is expected to cost an additional $15 million. It has been described by hospital officials as a white elephant White Elephant Any investment that nobody wants because it is unprofitable.Notes: The term 'White Elephant' is derived from Thailand, where an Albino (white) elephant was given to unfavored people by the ruler. Because these elephants were sacred and not permitted to work, it was a burden to the owner as it would eat up all the owner's money until he/she became destitute. See also: Falling Knife and an albatross. The conversion plan was put on hold last November after the election of a new board. At the time, board member Dr. Abdallah Farrukh cited a concern over logistics of having an obstetrics center separate from the main hospital if a woman or newborn suffered emergency complications. Flinn said physicians will be on duty at all hours at the new facility. ``There's going to be a 24-hour physician presence at that building. We are also looking at having an ambulance on site 24 (hours a day), seven (days a week),'' Flinn said. Changing 5 Tower to a medical-surgical ward will add 32 beds. The 3 North conversion will add 25 skilled-nursing beds. The business service support building will measure between 35,000 to 40,000 square feet and will be located north of the skilled-nursing facility. The hospital plans to consolidate at that one building programs and operations that the hospital is currently leasing space for off-site, Flinn said. The business center will have ample conference room space. ``It will give us a large enough conference space to have a full staff meeting. Now we have to rent space to do that,'' Flinn said. Karen Maeshiro, (661) 267-5744 karen.maeshiro(at)dailynews.com |
|
||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion