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The official state license for the new hospital will follow this week's issuance of the certificate of occupancy. (Photo by Bill LeFever of Sierra Wave Media)

After more than two years of construction, and millions invested, Northern Inyo Hospital in Bishop has received its official certificate of occupancy from the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development for a new hospital building.  Administrator John Halfen said staff will start moving equipment and employees to the new facility Friday.

The next step before the hospital can receive patients is the official state license.  Administrator Halfen expects the license to be issued by the state in the next 30 to 90 days.  Halfen said the certificate of occupancy is a major step.  It means there will be no more construction code issues to address.

How does he feel about this momentous step?  Halfen, known for his careful financial management, said, “It’s good to get this behind us.  The red ink will stop. All expenses are done.”  Administrator Halfen said that the total cost of this major project exceeds $60 million.  He said he will issue a report when all the bills are in.

Adherence to OSHPD regulations along the way added considerable expense.  Most prominently costly were the required 200, 50-foot long pylons installed for the foundation.  While many saw that requirement as overkill, it had to happen for the project to move forward.  The new hospital may stand as the tallest building in Bishop at just under 40 feet. The new building will provide brand new hospital rooms, a new emergency room and many other new and improved facilities.

The current move of equipment, employees and implementation of new policies will start Friday.  The Administrator said staff have worked on policies and moving plans for the last two years.  So, they’re ready.

Administrator Halfen assured that all hospital services will continue uninterrupted in the same places while the move happens. He looks forward to a community ceremony, probably in June, to mark the major accomplishment of this new facility.

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