Chief Operating Officer Ron McConnell told WJACTV.com they plan to close Bon Secours-Holy Family Hospital by fall 2010.

McConnell said the move will improve the efficiency and care for people in the region.

Altoona Hospital and Bon Secours merged five years ago to form the Altoona Regional Health System.

Since then, each facility had its own expertise. But under one roof, McConnell said two big priorities will be to build a new intensive care unit and their emergency room department.

He said there have been no talks of layoffs.

The Blair County commissioners approved tax exempt bonds in the amount of $70 million so that hospital officials can build upon the hospital campus.

McConnell said teams are looking into what can be saved from the Bon Secours building. He's also working with the Altoona Blair County Development Corporation on a highest and best use study to look at the building and look at the location of the building in the city to best determine the use of the property.