From Staff Reports
The Athens Review
Athens — When the doors to ETMC Athens officially opened in 1986, throngs of people gathered for the ribbon cutting. The gleaming spectacle of the new building was unmatched among rural hospitals anywhere in East Texas. Now, nearly 24 years later, another ceremony has been held: a groundbreaking to usher in a $32.4 million expansion.
“This is a profoundly important day in the life of ETMC Athens,” said Administrator Pat Wallace. “By executing these plans, we’re upholding the commitment we made to Henderson County back in 1982 when we entered into a partnership. The relationship established with the Henderson County Hospital Authority – our landlord – continues strong to this day.”
The two-year project will take place in a series of phases as the southwest corner of the hospital is expanded with a 55,600-square-foot wraparound. Twelve thousand square feet of existing space will be remodeled.
Along with the expansion comes the need for additional employees. An estimated 100 full- and part-time employees will be hired as targeted departments expand.
“ETMC’s relationship with Athens and Henderson County represents more than 25 years of advancing healthcare to the highest level possible for the community,” noted Elmer G. Ellis, president/CEO of the East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System. “This expansion of the beautiful ETMC Athens campus will help us meet the growing needs of the population as part of our mission of care. We are excited to celebrate the groundbreaking, knowing that the new medical space will benefit countless East Texans and our care-giving team for many years to come.”
For more on Tuesday's groundbreaking, see Wednesday's edition of the Athens Daily Review.
