COO Jake Davidson shares updates on the Campus Expansion and Modernization Project, highlighting new services, demolition of the “1965 Building,” and how the hospital is working to minimize disruptions for patients.
March 27, 2024
Visitors to the hospital over the last few months have observed some big changes. In the most recent phase of our ongoing Campus Expansion and Modernization Project, the “1965 Building,” was demolished.
Years ago, “1965 Building” was used for patient care. More recently, the space was used primarily as administrative office space. But in October 2023, that building was emptied out and ultimately demolished to make space for a new, larger building that transform patient care in East Jefferson County.
What’s next now that demolition is complete? Chief Operating Officer Jake Davidson spoke with us in a recent episode of the To Your Health podcast to share the latest updates on the new building project, which is slated to be completed in summer 2025.
Check out the video below to see a time-lapse of the demolition process.
Davidson shared the hospital’s vision is to not only enhance existing services but also introduce new ones to the communities of East Jefferson County. “The project is a great opportunity for East Jefferson County,” he said. “Adding more and new services to our community ensures that patients get the care they need locally.”
Access to high-quality care that’s close to home is critical for many people in East Jefferson County. Davidson explains that the burdens associated with travel can often mean that “our patients aren’t getting the care that they need.” Knowing how crucial high-quality, local care can be, Davidson is excited because “this project will allow us to both grow services and add new ones.”
Among the notable additions that can be expected when the project is complete are specialty services, including neurology; pulmonology; and ear, nose, and throat. The hospital will add a state-of-the-art outpatient surgery center.
Additionally, with the new building, Jefferson Healthcare will become the first critical access hospital in Washington state to feature a linear accelerator, which will make it possible for the hospital to provide radiation oncology, as well as chemotherapy, which is already offered, to cancer patients.
In addition to a host of new services, the new building will provide additional space for existing services. When the project is complete, Jefferson Healthcare will have more space, and added capacity, for services like dermatology, OBGYN, and physical therapy.
Perhaps the most impressive feat related to the new building project is how Jefferson Healthcare has been able to minimize disruptions to patients. Davidson explains that the hospital has taken proactive measures to mitigate inconveniences, ensuring seamless navigation for visitors and patients alike.
“We’ve done very well to ensure everything’s up and going,” Davidson affirmed.
Acknowledging the importance of patient experience amid construction, Davidson also emphasized the hospital’s commitment to clear communication and assistance. From modifying parking arrangements to deploying additional staff for guidance, Jefferson Healthcare aims to alleviate any potential confusion for visitors.
Now that the “1965 Building” has been demolished, Davidson shares that construction crews have “begun to lay utilities and will soon begin to build the foundation” for the new building. “Shortly, we’ll also see some walls start to go up,” he added.
For more detailed insights into Jefferson Healthcare’s Campus Expansion and Modernization Project, listen to the full podcast. You can also learn more about our building project on our website.
