RUMFORD – Rumford Hospital has a big yellow cat – a Caterpillar-brand generator, that is. The cabin-sized, bright yellow machine sits next to the garage adjacent to Swift River Health Care.

For now, it supplies emergency power to the hospital, but in the future will serve Swift River as well. The generator replaces two older models, uses only half as much fuel and is significantly quieter, because the hospital purchased special noise inhibitors for the comfort of patients and the hospital’s neighbors. The generator reaches full power in only eight seconds, making the transition to emergency power smoother.

The new generator is one of the upgrades to the hospital’s infrastructure that are being funded, in part, by a $100,000 federal grant obtained through the work of Congressman Michael Michaud. Improvements are also being made to the sprinkler system, lighting and elevators. A new fire alarm system is also scheduled for installation.

A special project – the renovation of three rooms on the hospital’s third floor for an expanded Oncology Suite – is slated to begin soon and be completed in September.

The new space will give patients more privacy and better access to bathrooms, while maintaining the cozy feeling of the existing oncology unit. The renovations are being funded primarily with donated funds from the Rumford Hospital community, including contributions to the 2003-2004 Annual Appeal, which ended June 30.