Hospital to close covered drive during last phase of project

GREENCASTLE -- Despite the recent heavy rains, the major construction project that has been underway for several weeks at Putnam County Hospital is still in full swing.

PCH marketing coordinator Jennifer Bedwell said although everything is still on schedule, the project has made some adjustments necessary.

"The last section of brickwork will require the covered drive at the main entrance to be closed for approximately eight weeks, dependent on weather," Bedwell said. "A new route for traffic will be necessary."

Bedwell explained that emergency room patients can still be dropped off at the main entrance, but will need to pull up on the southwest corner and be assisted by hospital personnel to get into the ER.

"The main doors will still be operational, but will be blocked from the east," Bedwelll said. "The Medical Office Building entrance will still be operational."

Bedwell said signs will clearly mark the new drop-off point.

"We will also still have the ambulance bay, which will keep those patients out of the way," she said.

The hospital's original 120,000 square foot building was constructed in the late 1970s. Hospital officials began mulling over upgrade options more than two years ago

The work at the hospital is being done by Weddle Brothers Building Group of Bloomington. Plans include the installation of more energy-efficient windows, as well as replacing exterior brickwork and the hospital's roof. It is estimated the upgrades will save 20 to 40 percent annually on energy costs.

The installation of windows is expected to begin early next month. The roof will be replaced in the final phase of the project.

The hospital has received some funding for the project through the U.S. Department of Energy's EnergySmary Hospital initiative, which is aimed at assisting new and existing hospitals with reducing energy consumption and operating costs.

Hospital officials and construction crews have met daily to discuss progress, Bedwell said.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year