East Pavilion getting major upgrade
Published 9:00 am Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Kenny Fralick, foreground, and Wayne Ayers, both of Caspian Painting Inc., put on the first coat of paint in one of the hallways at East Pavilion. The long-term residential care center is undergoing major renovations. Ali Shafiee, the business owner, said he anticipates his company will be done in 60 days. They started on Monday doing prep work, such as cutting, scrapping, patching and priming. — STEPHEN H. COWLES | THE TIDEWATER NEWSst
FRANKLIN
Work has started for $995,000 in renovations at East Pavilion, the long-term residential care center in Franklin. Director Esther Francis is eager for the work to begin…and to finish.
The upgrade will focus on the commons area, which includes the lobby, hallways, the three major dining areas, and nurses’ stations. Electronic charting will be done for patients’ medical records. In addition, the latest in tubs will be installed.
“Bathing will be more like a private spa,” Francis said.
Kim Marks, the interim CEO of Southampton Memorial Hospital, said the money will come from a capital fund, with $700,000 to be spent this year.
The remaining $295,000 will be spent in the first part of 2015, which is when the work is expected to be completed.
Strategic planning for the renovations began in 2011, Francis said.
Built in 1972, the residential center has not had such an upgrade since 1980 when an additional 60 beds were added. The place is licensed for 116 beds, and is at 95 percent capacity.
Scott’s Ltd. Inc., based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, was hired for the latest job because of its experience in nursing homes, and has also hired local contractors such as Caspian Painting.
“We’re happy to put more money into the community,” Marks said. “Our hospital is a five-star facility, and board-certified for Medicare and Medicaid by CHS.”
“These are exciting times for us,” Francis said.
