Auburn Memorial Hospital has received approval from the state Department of Health and $4.4 million in state aid for four construction projects in 2008.

AMH said Thursday it has received certificates of need for the renovation of the Memorial Wing to have single rooms to improve privacy, confidentiality and comfort; for renovation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; for moving the psychiatric unit from the current offsite location into the hospital; and for renovating the surgical suites.

The projects are included in the Health Care Efficiency and Affordability Law for New Yorkers - otherwise known as HEAL NY - Phase II.

The total cost of the project is $8.8 million; AMH has also received $4.2 million from six area foundations.

"We are delighted to have this opportunity to create a state-of-the-art facility for health care delivery," said Scott A. Berlucchi, AMH president and chief executive officer. "Construction will begin in February, so these CON approvals are very timely and allow us to stay on schedule for completion of all four projects by the end of 2008.

"There will be significant changes throughout our facility that will undoubtedly create a sense of pride as we move forward," he continued. "This will be a very exciting year for AMH and the community we serve."