(Zachary Meseck photo)

NORWICH – UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital held a grand opening ceremony on Wednesday, displaying its multi-million dollar cardiology wing renovation, and receiving more than $700,000 in funds raised for their upcoming capital project.

Representatives of the hospital said the cardiology wing renovation cost the hospital approximately $4.5 million, with several million dollars more needed for the rest of the planned capital project.

On Wednesday, UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital representatives announced that they had received $743,000 in donations to help them continue with their planned expansion, which is scheduled to take approximately 24 months.

UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital Director of Fundraising and Business Development Melissa Stagnaro said the project will cost approximately $20 million in total.

Stagnaro said with $4.5 million going towards the cardiology wing, $15.5 million will go towards other projects including moving the location of the emergency room.

She said around $9 million of the project will be paid for by New York State's Department of Health, but the hospital is still seeking additional funds for the rest of the project.

CEO and President of UHS Chenango Memorial Drake Lamen, MD, spoke at the event, and said healthcare in Chenango County relies on the hospital's partnership with its community.