NORWICH – Chenango Memorial Hospital showcased plans for an $800,000 facelift of its 5,371 square foot med/surg unit at a gathering for the business community last Tuesday.

The Commerce Chenango Business After Hours event featured tours of the planned renovations, slide shows, architectural displays and a presentation by CMH President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Drake Lamen. Approximately 45 attended, including many doctors, nurses and hospital staff.

“The renovation will be a nice face lift for our med/surg unit and offer better patient care,” Lamen said.

The project, which began this week and is expected to be completed in six months, is designed to reduce travel time from the nurses’ station to the patient, improve visibility between nurses and patients, and improve family access to the providers. Mobile computer docking areas will be incorporated in preparation for electronic medical records system that the hospital plans to later acquire.

There will also be a family nutrition center.

The unit’s work stations, offices, storage, housekeeping and utility rooms in the middle of the third floor will be demolished in six phases. New finishes are proposed through the core area and corridors, including new ceilings, floors, wall coverings and paint in patient rooms.