Harrisburg – October 14, 2016 – Abington Health has been approved for a $1 million state grant to make substantive changes to the physical plant at the hospital including renovation of the Widener Building, state Sen. Art Haywood (D-Philadelphia/ Montgomery) said today.
“The state grant will pay for improvements at Abington Hospital that will enhance the facility’s ability to deliver outstanding medical care and create jobs,” Haywood said. “This is a strong investment in health care at a quality medical center.”
Haywood said that the $1 million grant includes funding for the renovation, relocation and improvements to two units in the Widener Building — the Acute Rehabilitation Unit and the Diamond Stroke Center.
“The grant helps ensure that state-of-the-art medicine continues to be offered at Abington Memorial Hospital,” Haywood said. “Once the renovations and relocations are finished, the facility will be able to increase service levels, market share and build greater patient satisfaction.”
Haywood said the specific goal of the grant was to build market share for the neurosciences and acute service lines at the facility. Jobs and commercial activity will be created as a result of the investment.
“The importance of the grant cannot be underestimated,” Haywood said. “Health-care delivery systems are changing and facilities need to adjust to market changes in medicine.”
The grant was approved through the state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). RACP’s can be used to for acquisition and construction of economic development projects.
Haywood credited Gov. Tom Wolf for moving forward and approving RACP grants for critical projects. He said the governor, who, for generations, was involved in private sector business understands the necessity of state grant assistance in completing projects.
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