Why is Orange Regional building only 374 beds, which is less than its current bed complement?
A – Orange Regional is currently licensed for 450 beds on its two campuses. However, on any given day, our patients occupy fewer than 300 beds. In fact, in 2008 our average daily census (the number of beds occupied) ranged from a low of 252 in August to a high of 333 in March and averaged only 287 year round, well below our new hospital capacity of 374 beds. This 374 bed complement is also in line with the Berger Commission recommendation to “close the existing campuses and consolidate operations at a new, smaller replacement facility that is downsized by approximately 100 beds to approximately 350 beds”. Securing the Commission’s recommendation was critical for State support and funding.
