Geisinger, St. Luke’s open new hospital in Schuylkill County

Danville, Pa.,-based Geisinger and Bethlehem-based St. Luke’s University Health Network officially opened Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital in Orwigsburg, Schuylkill County, last Wednesday.

The project marks the first time two health care organizations joined together to co-own and co-build a hospital in Pennsylvania. St. Luke’s is managing the hospital, and both organizations are contributing medical expertise and specialists.

Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital is the first hospital to open in Schuylkill County in more than 90 years.

The 130,000-square foot, three-story facility represents a $72 million investment. So far, more than 250 employees have been hired for the hospital, and some positions are still open.

The facility will eventually have 80 beds but opened with 30, including 15 in the Emergency Department and six in the intensive care unit. The hospital may add additional inpatient beds as service demand increases. The facility includes two surgical bays, with plans to expand to four bays.

“The community has watched two health care organizations come together on this amazing project, and we couldn’t be more excited for the hospital to be open and to advance care in this community,” Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital President Gabe Kamarousky said. “Advancing care together and improving our community’s health isn’t just our message — it’s our mission and our commitment to our friends, neighbors, patients, providers, and our staff.”

In addition to the Emergency Department and intensive care unit, the hospital will offer general surgery, orthopedic surgery, neurology, cardiology, gynecology, gastroenterology, nephrology, urology, and radiology services. It also includes a helipad for Geisinger Life Flight.

Hospital construction began in the spring of 2018. The project created more than 250 construction jobs.