Conemaugh Health System broke ground on a new outpatient center in Somerset, Pennsylvania Wednesday. Community leaders, elected officials, health care providers and hospital supporters gathered to watch the first dig marking the beginning of construction made possible by a nearly $10 million investment from Duke LifePoint Healthcare.

“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter as we further expand our services and strengthen the ties between Conemaugh Health System and the Somerset community,” said William Caldwell, Market President of Conemaugh Health System. “Designed with the patient in mind, Conemaugh Somerset represents our enduring commitment to serving the people of Somerset and surrounding areas, and we look forward to the many ways this future facility will positively impact the health of the community.”

Conemaugh Somerset will be a 16,020-square-foot facility featuring advanced diagnostic imaging services, including mobile computerized tomography (CT), mobile magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), x-ray and 3D mammography; a primary care clinic; cardiology, neuroscience, and urology specialty care services; nuclear medicine; lab testing; and occupational health services.

The outpatient center was designed by Stengel Hill Architecture and will be constructed by MBM Contracting, using largely local subcontractors. It will be located at 120 Pine Haven Lane in Somerset and is expected to open at the end of 2019.

“Ensuring access to high quality and comprehensive care in an outpatient setting is fundamental to advancing our mission of Making Communities Healthier,” said Jamie Carter, Eastern Division President of LifePoint Health, of which Conemaugh Health System is a part. “We look forward to opening this state-of-the-art center next year and continuing to partner with Conemaugh Health System to transform the health of this region.”