Lehigh Valley Hospital-Carbon is set to open next month with Christine Biege at the helm.

Terry Purcell, president of Lehigh Valley Health Network’s northwest region, discussed the $80 million LVH-Carbon hospital at Wednesday’s Palmerton Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon held at Joey B’s.

He said the opening of the 100,578-square-foot hospital located off Route 443 is contingent on Pennsylvania Department of Health approval.

“Our goal is to bring care closer to home,” Purcell said. “We can’t wait to open.”

New president

Biege has previously served as the vice president of patient care services at Coordinated Health.

“She brings a lot of experience,” he said.

“She’s a registered nurse.”

Biege has a master’s degree in health care administration from Walden University, and her bachelor’s degree from Temple University.

Purcell said LVH-Carbon is a “first-class” hospital.

“It’s very patient-convenient,” he said. “I think you’ll be really pleased.”

Purcell, who serves as president of the LVHN Northwest Region and president of LVH-Hazleton, added they have a “very lean management team.”

The Northwest Region includes LVH-Carbon, LVH-Schuylkill’s two hospital campuses, and LVH-Hazleton.

Hospital features

Purcell gave a PowerPoint presentation and said the hospital will have 20 inpatient and 16 emergency room beds.

He said there are two operating rooms, and added there will eventually be four. There are also two procedure rooms.

Other services Purcell highlighted include complete telemedicine services; heart institute; cancer institute, institute for surgical excellence and imaging services.

“There’s a lot of great care we’re doing for cancer care,” he said.

Purcell said there will be two entrances for the hospital.

Attached to the hospital is a medical office building where patients can visit their practitioner or access other LVHN services.

He said the health center will feature outpatient rehab; cardiac rehab; pharmacy; infusion center; and LVPG/Coordinated Health.

“There’s a shortage of physicians in Carbon County,” Purcell said.

Purcell then discussed LVPG providers, with orthopedic surgeons; OB/GYN; general surgeon; colorectal surgeon; cardiology; ENT (Ear, nose, throat); physiatry; rheumatology; and pain management.

“This is a true full-service hospital,” he said.

After his presentation, Purcell conducted a brief question and answer session.

He said that the hospital is “close” to being fully staffed.

“We’re probably about 95% of the way there,” Purcell said. “It won’t be an issue moving forward.”

Purcell added there will be open houses and community open houses.

“We’d love to see you at our campus,” he said.