The new space will add 11,000 square feet to the current emergency department and 17 more exam rooms, for a total of 32 rooms, said President Ed Nawrocki.

The $4.3 million addition, which includes all equipment and information technology, will allow clinicians to treat up to 60,000 patients annually.

The hospital broke ground for the emergency department expansion project in November 2012, a year after the hospital officially opened. The opening of the new space is slated for April.

North Star Construction Management Inc. of Allentown is doing the work and the building is now totally enclosed, with crews working on framing, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work, said Nawrocki.

North Star also built the medical office building and cancer center at the Anderson site, said Nawrocki.

Cerminara Architect of Hillsborough, N.J. designed the addition, he added.

Though he did not have an exact amount, he anticipated a 20 percent increase in staff once the expansion is complete.

"We are hiring more staff," said Nawrocki. "As it grows we will grow into it."