Wareham hospital moves forward with $25 million expansion

Dec 12, 2018

Southcoast Health is moving forward with a $25 million emergency department expansion at Tobey Hospital, which will require the historic Tobey Homestead being torn down.

The New Bedford-based hospital system announced plans for the multi-million project in 2017. Officials said the current emergency department is designed to serve 15,000 patients annually, but patient volume has increased to more than 30,000 per year. The current emergency department, which was last renovated in 1987, is on the Main Street side of the hospital where it will remain. The new department will be able to accommodate 40,000 patients each year.

“This expansion will enable our skilled physicians, nurses and the entire care team to provide even greater care and service to our patients in a space that meets their clinical needs and expectations in the most effective and efficient way possible,” said Maureen Boyle, a public information officer for Southcoast Health.

State regulations required Southcoast to announce the move 14 days before filing a Determination of Need application with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. The announcement was published on Dec. 6.

Boyle said the application kicks off a “months-long process” as Southcoast seeks state approval to begin construction of the expanded emergency department. She said Southcoast hopes to start construction soon after receiving approval.

“Based on the significant need for expanded capacity within the existing Tobey Hospital emergency department, our intention is to break ground on this project immediately upon receipt of approval,” said Boyle.

The initial expansion announcement sparked concern and frustration from some residents on the fate of the Tobey Homestead. According to Boyle, the building will be “deconstructed.” 

“The building will be fully deconstructed and not used in the design and structure of Tobey Hospital,” said Boyle.

Tobey Homestead was built in 1825 and belonged to Alice Tobey Jones, the hospital’s benefactor and namesake. In 1985, a fire nearly destroyed the building, however, residents rallied to raise funds and refurbish the local landmark, which is on the National Historic Register. 

In 2017, members of the town-appointed Historical Commission and Historic District Commission explored options for preserving the building. Ultimately, Southcoast Health decided not to incorporate the homestead in its expansion plans and will tear down the building.

Hospital officials had considered a number of different options for the expansion, but settled on the current plans because of the proximity to the intensive care unit, the operating room and imaging center.

In response to residents asking if Tobey Homestead could be incorporated into the expansion, representatives said the building is not suitable for treating patients.

Building codes for medical facilities, particularly in the area of fire resistance, are strict and the homestead doesn’t meet those requirements, according to Southcoast officials.

Boyle said Southcoast is committed to keeping residents and patients informed before and during the construction process.

“It is imperative that we expand the Emergency Department without disruption to patient care and existing Emergency Department services,” said Boyle. “At the completion of this project, the residents of Wareham and surrounding communities will have a state-of-the-art Emergency Department built to serve the present and future clinical needs and service expectations of patients.”