Rome Health construction on ICU addition, surgical center project progresses

ROME — Construction crews continue their work on the upcoming intensive-care unit (ICU) addition and the Kaplan Center for Surgical Services at Rome Health Hospital. The project involves constructing a 30,000-square-foot, three-floor addition on the north side of the hospital. The expansion will allow the hospital to replace its aging operating rooms and ICUs. Construction workers from the Hayner Hoyt Corporation of Syracuse will complete the $45.7 million project in three phases, and King + King Architects of Syracuse designed the project. Rome Health anticipates project completion in the summer of 2026. “At this time, the construction is on budget and on time,” per a July 2 update on the Rome Health website.

The concrete floors have been poured for both the 1st and 2nd floors of the center, as indicated in the July 2 website update. Crews were also pouring concrete for the basement level of the center. Stairs have been installed but are not yet accessible. Workers have also started positioning and laying piping throughout the building. Rome Health says the project is being funded through a partnership of more than $29 million in public funding and private philanthropy, including a $26 million New York State Transformation Grant and $3 million in ARPA funds from the City of Rome, according to a November 2023 Rome Health website posting. Besides the $29 million in public funding, the Rome Health Foundation has also raised $15 million through private philanthropy and continuing its outreach to donors to raise the balance, Cassie Evans Winter, VP of communications/grants administration at Rome Health, tells CNYBJ in a July 11 email. The Kaplan Center for Surgical Services is named in honor of Charles and Florence Kaplan. “The $45.7 million capital project will enhance the experience for patients and their families while supporting the care team in delivering the best care out there here,” AnneMarie Czyz, president and CEO of Rome Health, contended in a statement.

AmeriCU partnership

AmeriCU Credit Union says it’s partnering with Rome Health on initiatives to acquire advanced medical equipment, enhance facilities, improve technology, and support specialized training for medical staff, per a May 30 announcement from the credit union. “We are excited to partner with Rome Health in their mission to deliver exceptional healthcare services for our community and assist those facing challenges, by bringing their needs to the forefront of our focus,” Ron Belle, president and CEO of AmeriCU Credit Union, said in the announcement. “By coming together, we can work to build a stronger, more resilient community.” The partnership between AmeriCU and Rome Health will significantly impact Rome and surrounding area’s healthcare, strengthening the availability of state-of-the-art surgical procedures and critical care services for patients. By investing in these critical areas, AmeriCU helps to improve patient outcomes and enhance the overall health-care experience for individuals and families in the community.