Wrangell – Construction of the new Wrangell Medical Center (WMC) campus is nearing completion as administration has announced a February 12 opening of Critical Access Hospital services at the new facility. Patients are advised to seek Emergency, Outpatient, and Acute Care at the new 232 Wood Street location – the former AICS Clinic – beginning at 12 p.m. on Friday, February 12.
Departments are currently undergoing a phased relocation as finished punch lists are allowing for staggered staff move-ins. Patients scheduled for Rehabilitation, Imaging, Laboratory, or Outpatient Services will be contacted regarding the timeline of respective move dates.
The schedule for first patients in the new facility by department is as follows:
- Emergency, Acute, and Outpatient Services – Friday, February 12, 12 p.m.
- Long-Term Care – Saturday, January 30
- Rehabilitation – Wednesday, February 3
- Laboratory – Monday, February 8
- Imaging – Thursday, February 11
“This is a monumental achievement for healthcare in Wrangell,” said SEARHC Vice President and WMC Hospital Administrator Leatha Merculieff. “The facility will greatly improve our ability to provide high quality care to our patients and Long-Term Care residents for decades to come. The new campus will truly set the bar for healthcare in southern Southeast Alaska.”
SEARHC acquired WMC from the City and Borough of Wrangell in November 2018 with a goal to complete construction on a joint campus in 2021. Designs were created by Wold Architects and Engineers and Dawson Construction was awarded the contract. The 45,000 square foot facility includes a 14-bed long-term care wing, and eight-bed acute care wing, expanded emergency department, enhanced ancillary services, and integrated primary care clinic.
For more information on SEARHC expansion projects, visit searhc.org/expansions. Visit the Wrangell Medical Center Campus album on Facebook for construction images.