Sheehan Health Network to expand

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Major expansion plans are officially in the works for Sheehan Health Network in Buffalo.

It's an expansion that stretches more than 18,000 square feet.

Interim CEO of Sheehan Health Network, Lucille Sheedy, announced plans to renovate and expand the facility, by the end of the year, doubling it's current capacity.

This pictures displayed at Tuesday's news conference show the plans for a more modern and welcoming front entrance.

As a result of the renovations Sheehan will be only the 2nd hospital in the state to become what's called a patient-centered medical home.

"One of the hopes is by expanding and having easy access, it will reduce the amount of people that show up in the emergency room, because a lot of those people need primary care," said Lucille Sheedy.

Sheehan expects to hire at least two more doctors.

A $2 million state grant will be used to renovate the century old hospital.

The construction will begin in a couple of weeks and wrap up in December.