Backus announces Colchester construction
PrintCOLCHESTER -- The William W. Backus Hospital Monday announced a major redesign of its health center in Colchester, a project that will nearly double the size of the existing 5,878-square-foot facility.
The project at 163 Broadway, part of the Hospital’s ongoing effort to bring convenient healthcare services to the growing Colchester region, will add 5,202 square feet of newly constructed space. Site work at the leased space is underway, and construction is expected to begin soon, lasting 6-9 months.
The new construction will enable the health center to increase the number of exam rooms, increase laboratory space and add ultrasound and CT-scan services. The existing health center will be temporarily relocated to nearby 121 Broadway during the construction, although X-Ray and MRI services will remain at the existing site.
“ We are excited that Backus is broadening its services in the community,” said Ron Goldstein of Paradise Agency, an owner of the property. “This is a significant economic development project for Colchester. Town officials have made economic development a priority, and their efforts are being rewarded with this very substantial project.”
Throughout the construction, hours at the temporary location will remain the same, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Dr. Thomas Tsai and Dr. Steve Becker will continue to practice in the health center. The phone number also remains the same, 537-4601.
Colchester is the fastest growing community in the Backus service area and in the state, according to the U.S. census, and projections call for continued growth. In addition, populations continue to grow in surrounding towns, including Lebanon and Salem, so the expansion will allow Backus to meet the healthcare demands of the region, Backus Hospital Director of Communications Shawn Mawhiney said.
In the last fiscal year alone, outpatient volume at the existing health center grew by 20.6 percent.
“We know the population is growing, and we know that working families sometimes don’t have the time to drive long distances to surrounding towns for healthcare services,” Mawhiney said. “By redesigning our health center, we are ensuring that quality healthcare is accessible right in their own community.”
The Colchester health center offers primary care, laboratory services, occupational care, walk-in care, imaging services -- including MRI -- along with weekend hours. Patients can be seen by appointment or on a walk-in basis.
In addition, a growing number of Backus physicians are moving to Backus’ Medical Office Building at 123 Broadway to provide services.
Norwich Medical Associates recently opened an office in Colchester, joining Pulmonary Physicians of Norwich, and Ob-Gyn Services, in the Medical Office Building. Eastern Connecticut Rehabilitation Centers, an affiliate of Backus, is located on the lower level of 121 Broadway.
Backus also operates health centers in Montville and Gales Ferry, and is in the process of moving its diabetes, endocrinology and wound care services to the former Ames Department store in Norwich.