NORRIDGEWOCK — Redington-Fairview General Hospital is expanding into a new clinic to accommodate a growing number of patients.

The hospital, based in Skowhegan, is undergoing an approximately $500,000 expansion project to add a health center and three employees at what was once called Ossoola Commons at 87 Mercer Road in Norridgewock.

Redington-Fairview bought the property in the fall and is working with architects to design the inside for a new medical practice. Chief Executive Officer Dick Willett said he hopes it will open this spring.

The goal is to “have enough providers to take care of people,” he said. Patients would go to the new clinic to see a family doctor or for pediatric care.

Norridgewock Town Manager Michelle Flewelling said the expansion is exciting, particularly because the commercial space has been empty for years.

There are a number of residential housing units nearby, so some patients may not even have to drive, she said.

“It’s a great location. It’s easy accessibility being right there off the main route. It’s good — plenty of parking.”

Redington-Fairview already has a health center in Norridgewock on Colonial Drive that sees about 25 patients per day, but it has run out of space, Willett said. With an aging population and people living longer there’s a heightened need for medical care, he said.

“There’s no excess of man hours in primary care in Somerset County,” he said.

The new 4,000-square-foot health center will be the hospital’s 10th building, most of which are on Fairview Avenue in Skowhegan, said Carol Steward, support services director.

According to the hospital’s filings with the town Planning Board, the building is being remodeled to include patient exam rooms, a procedure area, waiting area, utility rooms, staff area, laboratory space and bathrooms.

The renovation will also include a new heating ventilation system, electrical upgrade and handicapped accessible entrance.

“The impact on the exterior will be minimal,” Code Enforcement Officer Frank Tracy said. Renovations are estimated at $300,000, and the land was purchased for $200,000.

The Farmingdale division of DiGiorgio Associates will complete the mechanical electrical design.

The planning board will discuss the project at its meeting at 6 p.m. Monday at the town office.

Erin Rhoda — 612-2368

erhoda@centralmaine.com

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