The new lab expansion project at University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown will benefit patients, staff and even instruments, according to the Center’s Executive Director Scott D. Burleson.
“The new lab configuration will allow patients to access the phlebotomy draw station by walking about 30 feet from the registration desk instead of the current 150 yards,” Burleson explained recently. “Moving services that are regularly used closer to the main entrance makes accessibility more convenient for our patients.”
Now in the third of five projected phases, the project got underway in February 2016 and is projected to be complete by the end of the year. Technological advancement has been one of the driving forces behind the need for expansion: when the lab was built three decades ago the equipment was not as dependent on computers as it is today. This computer dependency imposes a great heat load on virtually every piece of equipment and instrumentation in the lab, which has required the use of ad hoc heat exchangers and fans that take up significant space in all parts of the lab causing crowding for the staff.
“Our lab staff deserves a lot of credit for performing their duties so well despite the many changes in their space over the years,” says Site Coordinator Margaret Pulleyn – a 35-year veteran of the Hospital. “They do a great job providing high quality lab services to the hospital and people of Chestertown. We are happy to be able to provide the space they so richly deserve.”
The $50,000 project is being funded by UM Chester River Health Foundation. The Foundation, an affiliate of Shore Regional Health, raises funds for UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown and UM Shore Nursing and Rehabilitation Center at Chestertown.
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