New hospital wing officially opens

The newest public health facility in the CNMI—the Public Health and Hemodialysis Center—will officially open today with a topping off ceremony at 10am.

Department of Public Health Secretary James U. Hofschneider said that, even if the structure is not totally complete yet, they will proceed with the “topping-off” ceremony.

Hofschneider said he invited top government officials for the occasion. He said officials from the Office of the Governor and Legislation would attend what he considers a milestone for public health in the CNMI.

At least eight major offices and departments will occupy the building, which is 80 percent the size of the current health facility. It would house not only the new Hemodialysis Unit but also an Adult Clinic, Tuberculosis Clinic, Obstetrician and Gynecologist Clinic, and a children’s clinic, among others. Administrative offices would include medical supply rooms, electrical and mechanical, reverse osmosis, communications and others.

Hofschneider said the new building would have an independent power generation and air-ventilation system.

The new center is a Capital Improvement Project supported by both federal and local funding, including the $5.8 million that was recently reprogrammed by the 14th Legislature.

The old CHC building was constructed at a cost of approximately $27 million in the mid ’80s. It was designed to accommodate only 35,000 people; the new building hopes to accommodate and serve a population of over 70,000.

Hofschneider also said the new facility will meet a longstanding need for expansion of the health center and would allow the CNMI to better meet current and future public health needs of the entire community.

One benefit of the new facility, said Hofschneider, is the convenience that will be afforded patients by the new and bigger Hemodialysis Unit. He said the current number of hemodialysis patients would be able to receive treatment at reasonable hours of the day, instead of waiting for their turn in the middle of the night.

The facility, which was originally designed by Leo A. Daly, had an estimated cost of $5.7 million but reached $17.5 million due to revisions and change orders on the design, particularly the expansion of the parking lot to 220 spaces and upgrading of the water system.

The new center will have a completed lower floor, equipment and furniture, and biohazard improvements following the 9/11 terror attack.