JOHNSTON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL IN ABINGDON WILL BREAK GROUND ON THURSDAY ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF ITS REPLACEMENT FACILITY. THE NEW HOSPITAL WILL BE LOCATED ON LEE HIGHWAY ON THE SAME PROPERTY AS THE NEWLY CONSTRUCTED JOHNSTON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL BETWEEN EXITS 19 AND 22 OF INTERSTATE 81. JMH OFFICIALS SAY THE NEW FACILITY IS NEEDED IN ORDER TO MEET THE GROWING HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY.
CONSTRUCTION ON THE 135-MILLION DOLLAR FACILITY IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE FALL OF 2010.