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A series of capital improvement projects are underway at South County Health, each designed to meet the diverse needs of a changing community and utilize the most advanced medical technology to provide exceptional patient care.
To provide the public with an opportunity to see the exciting new developments and their progress, an online construction timeline has been developed.
The projects, scheduled through 2022, will result in strategic renovations and upgrades to South County Hospital and the adjacent Medical Office Building, as well as expansion of its medical practices and ancillary services into Narragansett and Warwick to facilitate patient access.
“Bringing innovation and technology to patient care has always been a part of South County Health’s DNA,” said Aaron Robinson, CEO.
“These additions to our hospital campus and our extended community campuses demonstrate our sharp focus on patient care and our unparalleled commitment to quality, service, and innovation. As Rhode Island’s Most Trusted Health Partner, we are thrilled for the community to experience our investment in progressive, patient-centered facilities.”
South County Hospital is the only healthcare system in Rhode Island to receive a 5-Star Rating in Hospital Quality and Patient Experience from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), a distinction held in 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2021. No other hospital in Rhode Island received a 5-Star ranking in either category.
Current Project
Emergency Department - Renovations to improve patient care and safety
Improvements to the 13,204 sq./ft. area will result in optimized emergency care for patients.
Upon entering the Emergency Department, the triage process will be much quicker, allowing nurses to fast track patients based on the level of care needed.
Serious medical needs will be prioritized and patients will be treated in a setting equipped for a higher level of care. Less acute patients will be evaluated by an emergency medicine provider in an examination area closer to the triage/intake area.
The patient care path will facilitate the process from patient intake to admission or discharge.
Completion of the Emergency Room improvements is expected by the end of May 2021.
Read more about the Emergency Department >
Ongoing/Upcoming Projects
South County Primary Care – Narragansett
Project schedule: November 2020 – June 2021
South County Primary Care – Wakefield, currently located in Suite 211 of the Medical Office Building adjacent to South County Hospital will relocate to its new home at 14 Woodruff Avenue in Narragansett.
The 5,000 sq./ft. construction project at Woodruff Plaza will bring South County Primary Care practice closer to the community, providing patients with easier access and more parking to alleviate current challenges on the Hospital campus.
Cardiac Rehab and Wound Care Center
Project schedule: November 2020 – June 2021
The Cardiac Rehab Center will be condensed and relocated into vacated areas in the Medical Office Building lower level to pave the way for a new a Cardiovascular Center.
Here, it will continue to accommodate patients who need medical monitoring during their rehabilitation. Other patients who do not need provider-level of monitoring will receive prescribed rehabilitation activities they can continue at-home or at their neighborhood gym.
The Wound Care Center will also be relocated to the MOB lower level, adjacent Cardiology and Cardiac Rehab. Upon completion, the Wound Care Center will be equipped and redesigned to accommodate bariatric patients and those with decreased mobility.
The relocation of the Wound Care Center will allow patients more ease of access and additional amenities that will accommodate the diverse needs of this patient population.
Among the enhancements, the Wound Care Center will install a patient lift, enabling patients with limited mobility to be transferred easily during exams and treatments.
South County Health Medical & Wellness Center – Warwick
Project schedule: January 2021 – August 2021
South County Health’s expansion includes establishing a Medical and Wellness Center located at 120 Centerville Road in Warwick.
The 14,000 sq./ft. leased space will become home to South County Medical Group’s Primary Care, General Surgery, Urology, Women’s Health, Pulmonology, Express Care, Radiology, and Lab practices and services.
By growing our presence into the Kent County area, South County Health will provide more convenience to patients who live north of South County, and who rely on the expertise provided by our physicians and clinical staff. This expansion will allow for the addition of new members of our Medical Staff and the investment of new technologies in patient care.
Center for Advanced Heart & Vascular Care
Project schedule: January 2021– December 2021
In what is planned as a two-phased project, patients will soon have access to a variety of diagnostic and treatment resources of a new South County Health Center for Advanced Heart & Vascular Care.
Phase 1 of the project calls for the build-out of space occupied by the Cardiac Rehab gym in the lower level of the Medical Office Building in preparation for the new Cardiovascular Center.
During Phase 2, South County Cardiology will relocate from its current offices on the third floor of the Medical Office Building to the lower level area renovated during Phase 1.
An additional 4,000 sq./ft. space will be redesigned to accommodate the Wound Care Center so it is adjacent to Cardiology and Cardiac Rehab, becoming part of the Cardiovascular Center.
The Cardiac Rehab Center will, once again, accommodate patients who need medical monitoring during their rehabilitation. Other patients who do not need provider-level of monitoring will receive prescribed rehabilitation activities they can continue at home or at their neighborhood gym.
The relocation of the Wound Care Center will allow patients more ease of access and additional amenities that will accommodate the diverse needs of this patient population.
Among the enhancements, the Wound Care Center will install a patient lift, enable patients with limited mobility to be transferred easily during exams and treatments.
Hospital West Entrance Renovation
Project schedule: August 2021 – December 2021
In preparation for a large-scale construction phase that will redefine the innovative care delivered at South County Hospital, the West Entrance to the Hospital will be redesigned to become a welcoming gateway to a superior patient and visitor experience.
This area will temporarily be used as the Hospital’s Main Entrance when the current Main Entrance is temporarily closed to allow renovations to the Main Lobby and more extensive construction to the building’s façade.
The approaching walkway to the automatic doors will take on a mall-like appearance, with concrete flooring and seating areas that wrap around ornate planters filled with manicured flora.
Using a combination of direct and backlighting, the area will be illuminated for aesthetics and safety, while being subtle enough to allow visitors to enjoy a relaxing ambiance near the new water wall.
The automatic doors will lead to a vestibule where visitors can enter the Main Hospital lobby or the adjacent Medical Office Building.
The Main Lobby will feature the Patient Information Desk where visitors can check in and ask questions, as well as a new Lobby Café offering specialty coffees, made-to-order food, and snacks, including a pizza oven, sandwiches, and soups.
Center for Advanced Orthopedic Surgery
Project schedule: May 2021– December 2021
Building on a 10-year partnership between South County Health and Ortho Rhode Island, a new Center for Advanced Orthopedic Surgery will be the cornerstone of the renovated Medical Office Building.
A series of renovations will result in a patient-centric, technologically innovative medical consortium, utilizing the power of partnerships and the strength of South County Health’s brand reputation to become a recognized leader and most trusted healthcare provider throughout Rhode Island.
The partnership with Ortho Rhode Island will require a build-out to create a 14,000 sq./ft. space, relocating existing outpatient clinics to more appropriate areas within the Medical Office Building, to create a new Center for Advanced Orthopedic Surgery.
Medical Office Building/Hospital Connector
Projected completion date – August 2022
The new Center for Advanced Orthopedic Surgery will connect directly to South County Hospital’s orthopedic wing on Frost 1 by a glass enclosed skywalk.
This connector will create a patient care path that provides specialty resources within our facility, and the expertise of specialized medical staff to ensure the optimal outcomes for each patient.
Areas within the connector may be used for patient physical rehabilitation therapy and other uses that will improve the delivery of high quality healthcare.
Completed Projects
In February 2021, South County Hospital opened a seventh operating room, designed to accommodate its growing robotic surgery program.
In March, the hospital opened a new endoscopy suite that is larger and equipped with advanced technology for the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal conditions.
To view the interactive construction timeline, go to: upgrades.southcountyhealth.org or click here >
The construction website will continue to be revised as projects advance or components get modified.