The state Department of Community Health gave the Effingham Hospital the go-ahead Wednesday for the construction of an imaging and diagnostic center adjacent to its primary care facility at Highway 21 and Goshen Road.

A groundbreaking will be held today at 11 a.m. on the site of the planned center.

The diagnostic center is expected to provide an array of specialized services such as a CT scanner, digital mammography, ultrasound, digital bone density testing, radiography and fluoroscopy.  The new center will compliment those existing services already provided by Effingham Hospital on its main medical campus at Springfield.

Radiology Associates of Savannah, will collaborate with Effingham Hospital in developing the center.  Radiology Associates of Savannah has provided radiological interpretation for the hospital since 1969.  

The proposed facility will encompass 8,704 square feet and will be located next to the hospital’s existing MedCare facility.  The new Medical Village will operate as a part of Effingham Hospital’s campus.

The diagnostic center will contain a reception/business area, waiting room, women’s center with four exam rooms, MRI area with exam rooms, MRI/CT control room and equipment area, CT exam area, staff area, radiologist reading area and storage area. This new facility will be furnished with General Electric equipment. 

The total projected cost of the structure of the new center is $147,403.  The total projected cost of the project as a whole is $4,834,116.  Money for the project will come from financing through Citizens Bank for the building cost and General Electric for equipment costs.