Hospital expansion project enters final phase

The $33-million expansion project at Calvert Memorial Hospital that began in 2004 is entering its final phase, which is expected to take several months to complete. Currently, the main lobby is undergoing extensive renovations so visitors are being detoured around the construction area.

“Visitors can still use the main entrance,” said Kasia Sweeney, director of public relations and marketing, “but they should be aware there is a new traffic pattern. Upon entering, visitors will now turn left toward the new Outpatient Concourse.”

“There is an information desk there with maps and volunteers to help people find their way,” she said. “This means a longer walk, in some cases, for those trying to reach certain services or the elevators.” For this reason, Sweeney said wheelchairs and electric scooters are stationed at the information desk for the public to use.

“We’ve tried to anticipate any potential problems and to make it as convenient as possible for our patients and visitors,” she said. “We certainly appreciate all the community support and understanding in the meantime.”

“We think everyone will be as excited as we are about the new lobby when it re-opens,” said Sweeney. When complete, there will be a larger waiting area with a coffee bar serving hot drinks and light fare, wireless Internet access and a new information kiosk to help visitors navigate the campus.

Recently, the first phase of the new Outpatient Concourse opened. It houses the chapel and chaplain’s office, cashier, a temporary same day surgery registration and waiting area, administration and a temporary gift shop. Once the lobby renovation is finished the gift shop and same day surgery waiting area will move back to their normal locations.

The next phase of the concourse is expected to open in April. It will be home to the hospital’s new Pain Center, Cancer Resource Library and a new registration and waiting area. The final phase, which includes the Non-Invasive Vascular Lab and Cardiac Rehabilitation, will open in early summer along with the final phase of the new Emergency Department.

Sweeney encourages visitors to take advantage of valet parking and the courtesy shuttle whenever possible. Free valet parking is available Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Medical Office Building entrance. The courtesy shuttle circulates the parking lots in peak hours during the week. To reach the driver, please call 410-610-8100.

She said that more volunteers are still needed to help staff the information desk in the evenings and on weekends. If you’re able to help out, call 410-414-4523. And check out the hospital’s website at www.calverthospital.org for updates on the expansion’s progress and to take virtual tours of the areas already completed.