Group shot of the doctors and executives
Erlanger executives and physicians celebrated Friday by “tearing down the wall” with sledgehammers in hand at the future location of Erlanger’s new Orthopedic Services area.
“Our orthopedic and sports medicine specialists were so anxious to see this construction begin, they wanted to personally kick off this first phase of Erlanger’s expansion efforts by making their own mark on the re-build,” said Erlanger President and CEO Kevin Spiegel.
This demolition effort represents the first phase of Erlanger’s expansion plans made possible by $71 million in bond sales last November to be used for capital improvements throughout the Erlanger Health System. More than $9.5 million of those funds have been allocated for Erlanger’s operating room expansion for orthopedics, vascular and cardiac surgery.
The new orthopedic area, which will open later this year, will feature four new operating rooms, 12 in patient beds, pre and post operating areas and support services, such as a family waiting room, rehabilitation and other common areas. From patient arrival, surgery, post operative care and discharge, each area will be specifically designed for orthopedic care.
Dr. Bill Moore Smith with a sledgehammer.