Manassas Journal Messenger | Potomac Hospital begins on new building

The construction of a new Potomac Hospital building got a major boost Tuesday with the announcement of a $12.5 million donation from the Cecil and Irene Hylton Foundation.

“The Hyltons’ community concern and giving spirit will continue to make an enormous difference to the lives of those who live and work in eastern Prince William County,” said Marion Wall, chairman of the Potomac Hospital Foundation Board of Directors.

“Their generosity will help Potomac Hospital grow with the needs of the community and provide the best care possible to everyone who walks through our doors,” Wall said.

Wall made his remarks during ground breaking ceremonies for the $75 million structure to be built behind the present hospital building, which was constructed in 1972.

“This is a dream project for me because I’ve always believed that Potomac Hospital had the potential for great things. And this is definitely a great thing,” said William M. Moss, hospital president.

The new four-story, 180,000-square-foot facility will replace the current medical and surgical facility.

The emergency room, the Women’s and Children’s Services Department, psychiatric department and a few others will remain. The hospital wings that now house the inpatient surgery rooms will be razed and the land used for much-needed parking, said hospital spokeswoman Charlene Wilkins.

The new structure will consist of a ground level for support services and an education center, plus three floors above for patient care.

All patient rooms in the replacement facility will be private and will feature state-of-the-art patient care equipment and comfortable decor.

Additionally, the new building will contain room for 30 more beds which will bring the hospital’s total capacity to 183.

“With the hospital being built in 1972, it was the better decision to build a new building then to try to rebuild and renovate the old one,” Wilkins said.

The construction project is scheduled for completion in 2006.

This $75 million project will be funded through accumulated reserves and industrial revenue bonds, and an ongoing capital campaign organized by the Potomac Hospital Foundation.

The donation from the Hylton Foundation is not the first received by Potomac Hospital. The foundation donated $1 million in 1996 for the construction of the Irene V. Hylton Emergency Care Center.

It was the largest donation the hospital had ever received until Tuesday. Of the $12.5 million, the foundation asked that $7.5 million go towards the construction of the new hospital while the remaining $5 million be used for operational enhancements for the emergency center.

Additionally, the Potomac Hospital Auxiliary has pledged $350,000 toward the capital campaign.

“This proves, once again, that Potomac Hospital is a true community hospital,” Moss said. “It was originally built by the support of community members and it continues to grow and improve because of their continued support.”