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

DATE: SUNDAY, December 12, 1993                   TAG: 9312130312
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: WYTHEVILLE                                LENGTH: Short

WYTHE HOSPITAL CONSIDERS CHANGES

``Our hospital is considering a modernization and expansion program,'' said Administrator Howard Ainsley.

The internal proposal being reviewed by the hospital board could range from $70 to $10 million in costs.

Ainsley noted that no architect has been hired for even preliminary planning at this stage, and no certificate of public need has been filed with the state. Everything is still in the discussion stage.

The discussion centers around retrofitting the building to accommodate more out-patient care, expanding the same-day surgery area `` and trying to get ready for the 21st century,'' Ainsley said.

``The changes involve making the hospital more suitable for diagnostic services and out-patient care,'' he said.

``The trend is toward more health-care services that are convenient and accessible on an out-patient basis. That reduces costs while enabling patients to recover at home with loved ones,'' he said.