SHARON, CT -  Sharon Hospital broke ground today on a 34,000 square-foot, $16.5 million expansion project that will address needed improvements at the hospital.

"We are thrilled to opening the next chapter in the life of Sharon Hospital. This project would not be possible without the continued support of the community, the hospital staff, and the medical staff" says Charlie Therrien, Chief Executive Officer of Sharon Hospital. 

"Together, we've worked hard to make the hospital successful and now we are fortunate to be in a position where we can re-invest our resources where it counts most: patient care. Every aspect of this project creates a more convenient, modern setting for both our patients and our caregivers."

Slated for completion in the fall of 2007, the project will improve Emergency Room Services, Women's Services and Imaging Services offered at Sharon Hospital. The expansion and improvements will encompass the following components:

• Complete renovation of existing emergency department space and the addition of approximately 2,800 square feet of new space adjacent to the current ER. This includes the addition of five new treatment rooms. 
• The construction of a new state-of-the-art obstetrics unit, which includes maternity services and family-centered obstetrical care with private birthing suites. Commonly called Labor, Delivery, Recovery and Postpartum model of care, which allows female patients and their families to stay in one area for their care. The creation of separate entrance for patients and their families.
• The relocation of the hospital's MRI to a new 1,245-square-foot addition near the existing radiology department.  

The expansion and renovation project represents the hospital's first major construction endeavor since 1995.  The architectural firm for the project is Newtown, CT based Mitchell Architectural Group and the construction company is Boston, MA based Suffolk Construction.   Work for the project has already begun.

About Sharon Hospital
Sharon Hospital is a 78-bed acute care community hospital, located in the northwest corner of Connecticut, dedicated to serving the health care needs of its communities.  Founded in 1909, Sharon Hospital continues to aspire to excellence and strengthen its ability to provide quality comprehensive services.  With dedicated staff, modern facilities and state-of-the-art treatment, Sharon Hospital is at the center of caring, serving residents of 17 towns in three states (CT, MA, and NY) with compassion.  Sharon Hospital is licensed and accredited by many governmental and healthcare organizations, both regionally and nationally.

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