St. Mary's Center for Education Construction Update
I want to keep you abreast of the progress with an update on the progress of the new St. Mary's Center for Education. This past June, St. Mary's Medical Center received approval from the West Virginia Health Care Authority to move forward with the project. Neighborgall Construction Company was awarded the construction contract. As of late November, construction is on schedule for a completion date in May, 2009.
Plans for the new facility have expanded over the past year from 46,000 square feet to approximately 58,000 square feet. This growth is mostly due to increased space for an additional computer lab, enlarging the clinical skills area and increasing the auditorium to seat 500 people. The estimated cost for construction and equipment has increased to approximately $10 million. Since the start of our campaign in 2006, we have received more than $4.5 million in pledges and contributions from the private sector, and an additional $1.4 million in federal funding.
The benefits expected from this project are considerable for the many communities in southern West Virginia. This facility will provide us the opportunity to increase enrollment in an effort to narrow the gap in the impending nursing shortage. It will also serve as a center for distance learning and offer students the latest in training technologies, such as incredibly lifelike human patient simulators. These simulators enhance the traditional methods of teaching and develop students' clinical and critical thinking skills in a safe environment without risk to real patients.
Our donors' commitment and financial support of the Center for Education is very significant. They have made this project a reality, and I'm certain their investment will not only improve the delivery of health care, but provide great job opportunities for residents in our community now and for future generations. If you would be interested in a tour of the future site of our Center for Education, please feel free to contact me at 526-1211.