Oswego Hospital to Undergo $14 Million Transformation: Construction Begins on Multi-Phase Emergency and Imaging Department Expansion

Oswego Health is proud to announce that construction will soon begin on a transformative $14 million renovation and expansion project at Oswego Hospital, designed to enhance emergency care, streamline diagnostic services, and create a safer, more efficient hospital experience for patients and their families across CNY.

Thanks to generous support from New York State through a Healthcare Facility Transformation Program Grant and the vital contributions of community donors, Oswego Hospital will launch this ambitious, multi-phase project this week. The entire renovation is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.

Hayner Hoyt has been selected as the project’s general contractor, bringing its extensive healthcare construction expertise to ensure minimal disruption and maximum impact throughout the hospital’s transformation.

“This is a critical investment in the health and safety of our community—one that comes at a time when every dollar must be stretched, but also when the need is greatest,” said Michael C. Backus, President and CEO of Oswego Health. “Thanks to state support and community generosity, we can finally reimagine how emergency and diagnostic care is delivered locally. This is more than a construction project—it’s a promise to the families we serve.”

Chena Tucker, Foundation Director of the Richard S. Shineman Foundation, echoed this vision: “Oswego Health’s vision for a more inclusive and responsive Emergency Department—along with the creation of a dedicated space for pediatric psychiatric patients—directly aligns with our mission to strengthen the well-being of our community. We’re proud to help make that vision a reality.”

PROJECT OVERVIEW: A Vision for a Better, Safer, and More Efficient Hospital

This renovation will transform 17,800 square feet of space on the first floor of Oswego Hospital at 110 West 6th Street. It will address longstanding operational challenges, expand capacity, and introduce new technologies to improve Oswego Health’s diagnostic services, upgrade patient access, and emergency care—all under one roof.

Phase 1: Streamlined Patient & Visitor Flow (~15 Weeks)

This initial phase focuses on patient experience and hospital security by creating a single, secure point of entry into the hospital. The current main hall will close, and all patients and visitors will enter through a new centralized lobby area, where they will be welcomed and issued badges.

This new layout significantly improves patient and visitor access and wayfinding.

Phase 2: Emergency Department Expansion (~32 Weeks)

This centerpiece of the transformation will see Oswego Hospital’s Emergency Department grow from 17 to 20 treatment rooms, including:

·       Three pediatric-friendly beds

·       Two additional beds that can be used for all types of patients, including mental health and wellness

·       A flexible group area for behavioral health stabilization

The redesign introduces a dedicated space for psychiatric care to provide therapeutic space for mental health and wellness, thereby reducing wait times, improving workflow, and enhancing care quality. This expansion ensures patient-friendly emergency department access in Oswego.

“This investment is vital to better care for every patient who walks through our doors,” said Dr. Wajeeh Sana, Chief Medical Officer. “With designated areas for pediatric and behavioral health, expanded capacity, and quicker diagnostics, we are ensuring safer, more compassionate, and more personalized emergency care.”

Nancy Gildersleeve, Senior Program Officer of The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, underscored the urgency: “The rising number of children and teens in Oswego Hospital Emergency Department facing mental health crises is a stark reminder of the urgent need for accessible, community-based mental health resources. These numbers are not just statistics; they represent real children and families in distress.”

Importantly, only one treatment bed will be temporarily offline during construction, minimizing disruptions to the community’s access to emergency care.

Phase 3: Radiology Redesign & Imaging Expansion (~13 Weeks)

The final phase consolidates all imaging services into a modernized Medical Imaging Department on the first floor. This upgrade includes:

·       A new CT scanner and upgrades to the existing unit

·       New rooms for X-ray, mammography, bone density, ultrasound, and echocardiograms

Previously spread across different wings and floors, these services will now be easily accessible for both emergency and scheduled patients, drastically reducing delays and improving care coordination. This ensures advanced imaging services in Central New York are more accessible.

In addition, the redesign introduces:

·       A family quiet room

·       Updated staff lounges and on-call rooms

·       Renovated public waiting areas and restrooms

IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY

Emergency departments are increasingly strained, especially in rural and underserved areas. Locally, the rising patient volume and increasing complexity of care have made improvements to both emergency and diagnostic services essential.

By investing in advanced imaging technology, increasing capacity, and building out spaces for expanded behavioral health services, this project directly addresses those needs—while laying the foundation for additional service lines and specialty care in the future.

Plant Manager of Novelis Oswego shared why they are supporting the expansion of emergency medicine services: “Enhancing access to critical care—especially for the youngest members of our community—strengthens Oswego’s reputation as a great place to live and work. We deeply value our partnership with Oswego Health and commend its commitment to making our community safer and healthier for families.”

Jonathan L. Snow, President of the John Ben Snow Foundation and Memorial Trust, added: “The Snow Memorial Trust is excited to partner with the Oswego Health Foundation on the renovation to the Emergency Department to create a new space that better supports and accommodates the unique needs of pediatric patients.”

COMMUNITY SUPPORT & GRATITUDE

Oswego Health extends its deepest gratitude to the organizations and foundations whose contributions helped make this vision a reality:

• Shineman Foundation – $300,000
• Mother Cabrini Health Foundation – $150,000
• Stewart’s Shops – $25,800
• Fred L. Emerson Foundation – $25,000
• Anonymous – $25,000
• Jim & Juli Boeheim Foundation – $20,000
• Novelis – $15,000
• John Ben Snow Foundation – $10,000
• J. M. McDonald Foundation – $10,000

“These gifts are not just dollars—they are statements of belief in the future of healthcare in our community,” said Backus. “We’re incredibly grateful for their support.”

MOVING FORWARD

Construction is expected to begin in early October with all work completed by the end of 2026. Throughout the project, Oswego Health will work diligently to minimize patient disruption, communicate progress transparently, and continue to provide the exceptional care the community deserves.

This multi-year transformation marks the most significant capital investment in Oswego Hospital in decades—and reflects Oswego Health’s ongoing mission: to provide accessible, high-quality care in the community.