This architectural drawing shows what the proposed Massena Memorial Hospital expansion could look like. MMH officials say they need more emergency space due to increasing patient volumes. Photo submitted by MMH Director of Public Relations and Planning Tina Corcoran.

By ANDY GARDNER

Updated 4 p.m. Oct. 21 to include architectural drawing and caption

MASSENA -- In response to increased patient numbers, Massena Memorial Hospital officials are looking at what the CEO described as a “modernization project” adding 4,500 square feet to the existing emergency room.

“We cannot continue to see the number of patients we’re seeing in the current space. We have outgrown that space,” MMH CEO Robert Wollebin told the hospital’s Board of Managers Monday.

According to September’s financial and statistical summary, the ER handled 1,382 patients, which was well over the anticipated 1,213. Year-to-date, MMH’s emergency department has treated 11,865 patients and had planned on 10,911.

He said they only have an early guess as to the cost, but it’s nowhere near a concrete figure.

“We believe it’s going to be somewhere in the neighborhood of $3 to $3.5 million, but that’s very, very preliminary,” Wollebin said.

“What we are proposing is an expansion of our emergency room out the back door,” Wollebin said. “By extending the building out, it gives us more treatment space for triage and the less acutely ill.”

The renovation would add three rooms to treat those suffering from acute illness, the CEO said.

He said they are also looking at a project to expand the medical and surgical unit, but that is still a ways from being able to talk specifics.