BARTONSVILLE -- It was all smiles at St. Luke's Monroe campus in Bartonsville. During the open house, folks got an inside look at the emergency department and met staff as well as health care experts.
Sheila Wilson of Mount Pocono said before this hospital opened, she had limited healthcare options. Aside from Pocono Medical Center in East Stroudsburg, she opted to drive 45 minutes to the Lehigh Valley.
"This is going to be a great convenience. I think it's about 15 minutes from where we live, which could make a difference in life and death situations so to speak," said Wilson.
The hospital has four floors and 108 beds. It also houses an emergency department, operating rooms, and other state-of-the-art facilities.
"33-bed emergency department, 60,000 volume capacity as far as the ability to see patients, brand new emergency department," said Peter Favini, Chief for Emergency Medicine.
From towel swans on the bed to robes for patients, privacy and comfort are some of the main staples in this hospital and guests took notice.
"I thought I was checking into a hotel. I was met soon as the elevator opened. The rooms are very comfortable and very relaxing. It can really put a person at ease," said Ray Wallace of East Stroudsburg.
Officials say it's not just about the healthcare, the hospital will also provide jobs for people in the area.
"We are looking at over 400 jobs that this brings to the community as we grow those jobs that we provide will grow as well. A whole range of jobs from service related to clinical," said Donald Seiple, St. Luke's Monroe campus president.
A soft opening will be held early next month and a ribbon cutting is scheduled for October 15 at the Monroe campus.
