Sentara Leigh Hospital winding up overhaul

Sentara Leigh Hospital in Norfolk will mark a significant milestone in an 8-year project on Wednesday when it opens its new atrium lobby.

The project, begun in 2007, included the $129 million construction of two five-story patient towers and an employee parking deck.

The new towers replaced three two-story patient wings built in 1977. The East tower has 129 beds while the West tower has 96. The first floor of both towers focuses on orthopedic patients

The emergency department, surgical suites, sterile support areas and utility infrastructure have been upgraded. The central utilities plant (CUP) has been upgraded at cost of $11 million.

The Ambulatory Surgery Center is undergoing expansion and modernization. First phase of that project is scheduled for completion this summer.

The new lobby area includes central registration, an outpatient pharmacy and gift shop, coffee nook, education and meeting rooms. It has a water feature, potted trees and a grand piano for live performances and computer-driven music.

Sentara Leigh began in 1903 as Sarah Leigh Hospital in Norfolk’s Ghent neighborhood. It relocated to current Kempsville Road site in 1977 after merging with Norfolk General Hospital.
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