Seneca Healthcare District is set to embark on a significant milestone as they prepare for a groundbreaking ceremony this week to mark the commencement of their new hospital building project. The state-mandated facility aims to meet seismic requirements and will feature a modern design, cutting-edge medical equipment, upgraded patient rooms, an expanded emergency department, and surgical suites.
Shawn McKenzie, CEO of Seneca HC, highlights the new build would not have been accomplished without the community’s contributions through donations, the passage of the bond initiative, and continued support.
The next steps in the build will include removing only necessary trees from the site by the licensed timber operator, grading and infrastructure, and getting all inground utilities, sewer, and water in. Slabs get poured to place superstructures up. By this time, winter will have set in, and Seneca will have the site wrapped for the inclement weather to continue the process.
The construction timeline is on schedule at this time, slated for occupancy in November of 2025, with the first patients expected in early 2026. Through the process, McKenzie said Seneca aims to set up webcams for the community to witness the building’s progression.
The groundbreaking will be a full-on event featuring presentations attended by the district supervisor and the hospital’s board, followed by a reception of cake and refreshments for the community, music, and lunch. The ceremony will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, July 26th, at the new build site behind the Lake Almanor Clinic from 9 to 11 am.
