Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, May 16, 1990                   TAG: 9005160354
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B3   EDITION: BEDFORD/FRANKLIN 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

FRANKLIN HOSPITAL MAKES GOAL

The money will be used to help with a $4.1 million expansion and renovation of the 38-year-old facility.

Contributions still will be encouraged, officials said. The original goal was based on a feasibility study that did not include such items as asbestos removal, new radiology equipment and a sprinkler system.

Most of the additional 15,800 square feet of space will be devoted to outpatient clinics. Renovation plans include enhancing the hospital's obstetrical wing; expanding administrative and support service areas; upgrading air conditioning, plumbing and ventilation; and improved access to parking areas.

The number of beds, which had been at 62, will be cut in half.

Ground-breaking is targeted for mid-September. Construction should take about two years. It will be the hospital's first major expansion since 1954.

The campaign for funds began in November. Before that, the Franklin County Board of Supervisors made a $300,000 contribution and the town of Rocky Mount contributed $50,000.

A total of 690 businesses and individuals contributed to the campaign.