North Central PA Times

A major road project at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pennsylvania, has been completed and is now open to regular traffic. This development marks a significant step in the center's expansion and modernization efforts, which are set to gain momentum in the upcoming months.

The opening of the newly reconfigured Medical Center Drive was celebrated with a flag-raising ceremony attended by Danville’s local Honor Guard. The road now functions as a two-way street with separate loops for patient drop-off and valet parking, improving traffic flow for visitors. This project also lays the groundwork for constructing an 11-story patient tower and parking structure.

“Improved ease of access from this completed road project is a big step toward our ultimate goal of a better experience for patients and staff,” stated Megan Brosious, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Geisinger. “Our hospital has a legacy of bringing to our community advanced care options not widely available in rural areas. The expansion project will only serve to enhance the great care our team offers our patients every day.”

Construction activities are expected to increase this spring as crews begin work on the new tower and parking garage. This phase will start with demolishing the former Dickey Clinic and MRI building.

During construction, pedestrian walkways leading up Medical Center Drive will be closed. Visitors are advised to use alternative entrances like the Hospital for Advanced Medicine entrance or reach the Abigail (main) entrance via Drexel Avenue's sidewalk.

Despite ongoing construction, emergency room services will remain unaffected, allowing continued patient access throughout the project's duration.

“This work will truly transform the way we deliver care in the region,” said Michael Fitzpatrick, M.D., chief medical officer of Geisinger’s central region. “It will give our staff the improved work environment they need to continue caring for patients in Danville, Sunbury, Milton and all the communities across our area who depend on us for advanced healthcare services.”

The expansion aims to provide a modern environment that enhances comfort for patients, visitors, and staff alike. The new tower plans include expanding the emergency room space significantly from its current size and increasing bed capacity from 45 to 60 beds.

Updated intensive care units and operating suites are designed to meet future health demands while adult medical-surgical unit rooms will convert into private beds offering increased privacy and space.

This expansion aligns with Geisinger's broader service offerings at facilities such as Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital and Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital.

Visitors should remain vigilant about additional campus traffic during construction over several years. It is advisable for those traveling to allow extra time due to potential delays related to construction activities. The new tower is anticipated to be operational by 2029.