News that New York state is investing $29,841,205 in UPMC Chautauqua for a new surgical unit at the Jamestown hospital is good news for south county residents.

At the time of the m erger between UPMC and WCA Hospital, one of the selling points of the merger was the increased level of investment that would come to the Jamestown facility. That has happened, and the state investment continues that trend of investment in the hospital’s physical plant.

“We are very excited to be the recipient of a nearly $30 million state Health Care Facility Transformation Grant to construct a brand-new surgical unit on the first floor of the hospital,” said Brian Durniok, UPMC Chautauqua president. “As we continue caring for patients in Jamestown and our surrounding communities on an ever-growing scale, investing in our facilities will ensure enhanced access to care for our patients.”

The same applies to local investments made possible by the WCA Foundation. Foundation officials recently announced $609,000 for gastroscopes that magnify syspicious lesions, colonoscopes that detect and diagnose colon cancer and a physical therapy Korebalance Premier 19 System that uses interactive technology, offering high-tech balance assessment and training. Additionally, the grant will support the purchase of a Nexus Biofeedback System that uses technology to gain insights into the psychophysiology of health and performance. Some of the local grant money will also be used for employee and student scholarships.

If a hospital isn’t investing in itself, it is losing ground in the ever-changing and ever-advancing field of health care. The combination of local and state investment is key for UPMC Chautauqua to care for patients as the years march on.