Palmerton Hospital’s new addition is quickly taking shape, according to hospital administrator Peter Kern, who said today the expanded facility is about a quarter-way completed.

The $4-9-million expansion and renovation is expected to be completed early next year and will add 21,000 square feet to the facility. With the addition, the hospital will have grown by a full 20 to 25 percent, Kern said. The addition will add a blood laboratory, a short procedure unit, an expanded Intensive Coronary Care Unit and a new cafeteria.

Decking has already been installed and floors have been poured. It is expected the building will be enclosed by mid-November.