My first son was born at Hamot and spent several weeks in their neonatal intensive care unit. The staff there was amazing – the doctors, nurses and everyone else we encountered helped us get through that difficult time.

So naturally I’ve been following the construction of Hamot’s new Women’s Hospital, where they will be able to offer a very high level of service to babies in need as well as parents. I’m also a big supporter of the March of Dimes, who do research to help preemies and other babies survive through their early, tough days.

Here’s a press release from Hamot about the opening of the hospital.

On Monday, January 10, 2011, Hamot will deliver on its promise to open the region’s first comprehensive hospital designed to meet the healthcare needs of women and newborns in Erie and surrounding communities.

The Hamot Women’s Hospital is a free-standing, five-story facility dedicated to the advancement of infant and women’s services. In addition to OBGYN surgeries and procedures, it will accommodate more than 2,000 births each year.

The Hamot Women’s Hospital will house the most sophisticated level III neonatal intensive care unit in the region. It also will serve as a hub for Hamot for Women, a comprehensive program developed to unite all Hamot women’s services and to provide easy-to-navigate clinical pathways for its patients.

“The opening of a hospital devoted to women’s health is historic in its own right, but is also a testament to Hamot’s success,” said John Malone, Hamot President and CEO. “It serves as yet another symbol of the organization’s vision of growth and mission of service.”

According to Hamot Women’s Hospital President, Debbie Burbules, “ On January 10, the Hamot Women’s Hospital will introduce a new era of healthcare for women, excellent physicians to an already highly skilled team, the foundation for new services, jobs and a bright future for healthcare in Erie.”

“I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the countless people who have made the Hamot Women’s Hospital a reality, including Hamot leaders, physicians, employees, the Hamot Aid Society, donors, architects and construction workers and many other experts and supporters,” Burbules said. “Your contributions have helped to build a hospital which holds new promise and pride for Hamot and the community.”

Two days before this day of anticipation, Hamot will host a community-wide celebration. On January 8, Hamot employees and physicians, community members and leaders will gather on the Hamot campus for a spectacular ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by a day of excitement filled with Hamot Women’s Hospital tours, prizes and health screenings.

Construction of the hospital should be completed by mid September, with the exception of work remaining on small, internal projects, including a multi- purpose room, chapel, café and simulation center. By the first week of November the hospital should be completely fitted so that IT and nursing staffs can begin to prepare in the hospital for opening day.