Goodall-Witcher Begins New Clifton Clinic Construction

Sue and Chester Posey Medical Arts Building

CLIFTON — The rains did nothing to dampen the excitement and enthusiasm in Clifton Monday afternoon, March 26, as Goodall-Witcher Healthcare Foundation officially embarked on a highly anticipated facilities improvement project that will cost an estimated $10 million.

“This is a very important day for Goodall-Witcher Healthcare Foundation, and there have been a lot of those since 1939,” began GWHF President and Chief Executive Officer Clarence Fields, Jr. “Today is the culmination of more than 24 months of planning.”

The project includes construction of a new clinic facility as well as major renovations to the hospital, extended care nursing facility, and administration areas.

The major portion of the expansion project includes the new clinic. Construction started in mid-June 2007 on the facility— to be named the Sue and Chester Posey Medical Arts Building — being constructed just south of the current building.

Funding for the construction and renovations projects comes from a variety of avenues. A Meadows Foundation grant in the amount of $150,000 arrived in mid-July 2007. Other funding sources include a $6.5 million loan from USDA Rural Development, a $3.5 million capital campaign launched in January 2007, a $300,000 grant from the City of Clifton Economic Development Corporation, and $400,000 secured by Congressman Edwards in funding from the Federal Health Resources and Services Administration.

The new clinic will include spaces, or “pods,” for 12 healthcare providers, allowing for an office, a nurses’ area, and four examination rooms.. Space for other related clinical services will also be located in the new structure, and the waiting room will have an estimated capacity of 95 persons. A drive-up drop-off entrance will also be included in the new structure.

Renovations will also be seen at Goodall-Witcher Hospital, including a major facelift. Several departments will be expanded, as are a new second-floor cafeteria and a permanent home for the Goodall-Witcher Healthcare Auxiliary.

The first-floor extended nursing facility will get a new dining and activities area. Offices will be relocated, allowing the addition for at least five additional beds in that facility.

Space in a renovated lobby/entrance area of the hospital is also on the drawing board, to be used to honor past and present donors.

Despite the massive rains seen here during the spring, construction officials say the delays should not be a problem. The facility is on track for a mid-summer 2008 completion.

“We had some rain delays early on,” said J.E. Dunn Construction Supervisor Stacy McGuffin. “We also had some utility issues — telephone poles, gas lines to get out of the way. We also had a huge amount of earth to be moved and reshaped,” he explained.

McGuffin said that the construction company has had a few puzzles to solve as work progresses.

“The groundwork was probably the biggest hurdle we’ve had. We had a little spring, or seep, open up on the far corner. We had to dig a trench around the foundation to redirect the water.”

“Given all the elements, I guess we’re on schedule as much as we can be. J.E. Dunn is optimistic, and even though we’ve had some delays early on, there’s probably enough cushion to be completed on time, “ said GWHF Vice-President (Clinical Services) Kenneth Lowrance said.

“The construction company and all the subcontractors have been great to work with, and the staff is excited because we can see changes and we know what’s coming,” Lowrance added.