UPMC Passavant unveils $42M in upgrades to Cranberry campus
Patients at UPMC Passavant Cranberry can now expect a more vibrant visual experience upon their arrival.
UPMC leaders and staff gathered for a ribbon cutting on Friday afternoon, Aug. 22, to unveil a $42 million renovation project that included a significant overhaul of the main entrance and lobby area.
“We want the patients of Butler County and our employees to know that we care about what goes on here,” said Beth Piccione, UPMC Passavant president. “This investment is a visual reminder of that. It matches the level of work and care delivered inside these walls.”
The project, which also included several upgrades at nearby UPMC Passavant McCandless in Allegheny County, took about a year and a half to complete and marks the most extensive update to the facility since its opening in 2002.
It was supported through by a combination of general funds and the Passavant Hospital Foundation, a nonprofit that backs both facilities by “advancing health and wellness through education, outreach and grantmaking.”
Officials touted the project as a necessary move to meet the growing demand at the facility located just off Route 19.
The upgrades also coincide with an expansion of surgical procedures and specialized care that would have previously required patients to travel to Pittsburgh.
“Patients love to come to Cranberry,” Piccione said. “It’s less intimidating, easier to get to and you can park right outside. We’ve brought services like breast reconstruction and orthopedic procedures. These are services that previously you could only get at larger facilities and we're so proud to bring that out to this community.”
Hospital leaders are hoping some of the changes, including ones to the information desk and self-check in area, help to streamline the process and reduce wait times.
“Patients who need blood work or X-rays before surgery used to have to wait and have to find availability for that,” said Betsy Tedesco, UPMC Passavant clinical director. “Now that we have that open here and are actually able to provide that to patients, they can walk in our door and have it done immediately.”
The new-look lobby, Tedesco said, is a refreshing switch-up for her staff, who understand the importance of taking pride in their workplace.
“The upgrades have created a more comforting environment where staff can relax on breaks, get good nutrition and return to caring for patients with renewed energy,” she said. “It’s made the culture here even more positive.”
Piccione said she wants the project to serve as a reflection the hospital system’s commitment to bring better care closer to home.
“UPMC really cares about what goes on here, and we're going to continue to invest in the services here to really meet the needs of the community,” she said.
