$15 Million Salem Hospital 'Pingree 5' Expansion Officially Opens

SALEM, MA — A commitment from Marblehead philanthropists Charles and Ann Pingree to donate $15 million toward the expansion of beds at Salem Hospital was celebrated with the ribbon cutting of the new "Pingree 5" unit that includes 24 new private rooms.

The addition, which was created from existing space above the Pingree 4 floor, increases the number of beds available at the hospital to 371.

"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."

Ruppel said the addition will cut down on wait times and improve the patient experience as hospitals face capacity pressures in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the hospital, the average occupancy of rooms was 79 percent in 2019 and is now regularly beyond 95 percent.

"Since the pandemic, occupancy rates have been really high," Ruppel said. "With the opening of the Pingree unit, we've seen almost an immediate impact on wait times and boarding hours in our emergency fepartment."

Jay and Chris Pingree followed through on the commitment of their late parents, Charles and Ann, to fund the expansion, who both spent time at the hospital.

"Back in the '60s, our mother started as a candy striper," Chris Pingree said. "She eventually worked in the flower shop. She always had a passion for Salem Hospital.

"We're honored to see our family name attached to such a vital addition."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)