NSMC News Releases

Salem Hospital held a ribbon-cutting ceremony last Tuesday, February 27 in celebration of the opening of Pingree 5, its newest inpatient unit featuring 24 private rooms.

The new rooms, which increase the hospital’s total number of licensed beds to 371, were created from existing space above the Pingree 4 floor.

“We’re very excited to have this additional space to care for our patients,” said Roxanne Ruppel, president and chief operating officer. “It was certainly needed and helps us to enhance the experience for patients and staff.”

The addition of the private rooms not only improves patient experience, but enables the hospital to admit patients more quickly from emergency rooms, cutting down on wait times. Like many health care facilities across the country, Salem Hospital is facing steady, increased demand for medical and surgical admissions. Average occupancy of beds at the hospital has increased from 79% in 2019, to regularly beyond 95% currently. The high occupancy rate often leads to long wait times in the emergency department.

“Since the pandemic, occupancy rates have been really high. With the opening of the Pingree unit, we’ve seen almost an immediate impact on wait times and boarding hours in our Emergency Department,” said Ruppel.

The space is dedicated to the late philanthropists Charles and Ann Pingree, Marblehead natives and longtime supporters of the hospital, whose commitment helped to fund the $15 million project. Their sons, Jay and Chris Pingree, cut the ribbon on the unit during a small ceremony. They joked that they thankfully “haven’t spent a lot of time in your care,” but praised “the dignity and respect” provided to their parents during their brief stays.

“Back in the ‘60s, our mother started as a candy striper. She eventually worked in the flower shop. She always had a passion for Salem Hospital,” said Chris Pingree, “and we’re honored to see our family name attached to such a vital addition.”