On Wednesday evening the Borough of Waynesboro took the first step in exploring a partnership with WellSpan Health to construct an emergency service campus across from WellSpan Waynesboro Hospital. WellSpan owns the land, and in addition to emergency services, the campus could include medical facilities and would continue to be the location of WellSpan’s helipad. Waynesboro Borough Council approved entering into a Letter of Intent with WellSpan to determine whether the emergency service campus is feasible.
“This project would be a win – win for the community,” said Council President Harold Mumma. “The ability to station first responders on a campus with medical personnel would greatly enhance the level of emergency response coordination available to our residents.” At Wednesday’s meeting, the Borough Manager, Jason Stains explained that the current police and fire facilities are inadequate to meet current departmental needs, let alone future needs. Stains characterized the need for new facilities as “long overdue.” He relayed that the Borough’s Property Committee had reviewed numerous potential locations throughout the Borough and landed on WellSpan’s property that currently houses the helipad and WellSpan Rehabilitation as an ideal location. “WellSpan was very receptive to the concept,” said Stains.
WellSpan relayed that exploring this concept is consistent with its goal to make the community a healthy place to live, work, and play. “When first responders are dispatched, it is often for physical, mental, or social health needs. If we can be a part of strengthening the delivery of those critical services, we further our community-oriented mission,” said Roxanna Gapstur, Ph.D., R.N., President and Chief Executive Officer of WellSpan Health. “We are excited to partner with the Borough of Waynesboro to determine whether this concept is feasible.”
Following approval of the Letter of Intent the Borough also took action to engage SGS Architects, Engineers, Inc. to analyze site information, review space and functionality needs, and prepare preliminary plans for an emergency services campus. WellSpan is also in the process of reviewing their needs. Over the next eighteen months the Borough and WellSpan will determine whether the concept can move forward. “Once we have preliminary plans from the architect, we will make them available to the public and seek public input,” said Stains.
