First Look at New Surgical Center in Olean
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OLEAN, N.Y. — Surgeons, medical staff, and community members toured the new Olean General Hospital Mildred Milliman Outpatient Center on Thursday.
Construction on the state-of-the-art facility began in October 2010. The $10.3 million building was funded by many donors, both private and public.
The most notable was the woman it’s named after, who donated $800,000 of her own money before she passed away in 2010.
"She started out as a telephone operator at the hospital and then she inherited a huge amount of money and she shared it with not only the hospital, but the community in general,” said Christopher and Diane Scaturo, Olean residents.
The outpatient surgical center has four operating rooms, a family waiting area and registration area as well as recovery rooms.
Dr. Zahid Chohan, the facility’s medical director, says the goal is to make patients feel comfortable.
"When I tell them that they will get to go home the same day and they don’t have to stay in the hospital, I mean the smile on their face is universal. Everybody loves that, ‘oh I don’t have to stay in the hospital, that's so great,’” he said.
With the updated technology, officials hope it will be a good draw for the area and help with surgeon recruitment and retainment.
"We think it's going to provide our residents of the Southern Tier here with amenities and services very comparable to what, what are only available now in larger cities. It’s the only free standing ambulatory surgical facility down here in this area,” said Timothy Finan, president and CEO of Upper Allegany Health System.
"I’m just really glad we were able to get this in our community, because like I said, a lot of times people think a smaller town we don’t have the same opportunities or facilities that they have and we absolutely do,” said Colleen Chahal of Olean.
The Scaturos, who are part of the 110,000 people served by the medical center, say they're eager for it to open.
"I’ve been a patient here several times, but you're going to be a patient here now, instead of across the street. Yes and its great,” they said.
The center officially opens Monday, June 4th but community members have a chance to check it out starting at 10 a.m. Friday.