Hospital construction in final stages

Construction of the new Wrangell Medical Center, ongoing since a groundbreaking ceremony in May of 2019, is nearing completion. According to a Dec. 22 press release from the SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium, the project has reached 95 percent completion.

"WMC staff are excited to begin caring for patients in the new facility," said SEARHC Vice President and WMC Hospital Administrator Leatha Merculieff in the press release. "Select staff have already relocated to completed construction in the Clinic area. The majority of WMC staff are scheduled to begin move-in mid-January. The new campus will be an amazing addition to the SEARHC Care Network." 

Recently completed items include installation of new imaging equipment like a CT scanner, x-ray machine, and mammography machine. Flooring was also recently completed in Long Term Care and recumbent tub installation in the resident spa area. A startup and testing of mechanical systems was also recently conducted. Work is currently being done on interior and exterior painting, according to the press release.

"According to SEARHC Assistant Facilities Director Mike Pountney, project close out and the turnover 'punch list' process will commence on January 1," the press release reads. "Testing and balancing of the building air systems is on track for mid-January completion, at which time building commissioning will commence to ensure the project meets design requirements."